X IJ  t 


DECLARATION  OF  INDEPENDENCE, 


AN'J 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  j 


TO  WHICH  IS  PREFIXED 


CONSTITUTION 


STATE  OF  NEW- YORK. 

NEW-YORK  : 

Mrittd  by  Jon*  Bvtt,  Editor  of  the  Weekly  Magazine,  and  fold  by  the 
Bookfellerj  Jij  general. 


Declaration  of  Independence 


OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


This  celebrated  declaration  teas  publifhed  on  the  $tk  of  July, 
1776,  and  is  as  follows  : 

WHEN,  in  the  courfe  of  hunran  events,  it  becomes 
neceftary  for  one  people'to  difTolve  the  political 
bands  which  have  con nefteti  them  with  another,  and  to  af- 
fumc  among  the  powers  of  the  earth  the  feparate  and  equal 
ftation,  to  which  the  laws  of  nature  and  of  nature's  God  en- 
title them,  a  decent  refpett  to  the  opinions  of  mankind,  re- 
quires that  they  fhould  declare  the  caufes  which  impel  them 
to  the  feparation, 

*«  We  hold  thefe  truths  to  be  felf-cvident  :  That  all  men 
are  created  equal  ;  that  they  are  endowed  by  their  Creator, 
with  certain  unalienable  rights  :  that  among  thefe  are  life, 
liberty,  and  the  purfuit  of  happinefs  ;  that  to  fecure  thefe 
rights,  governments  are  inftituted  among  men,  deriving 
their  jail  powers  from  the  confent  of  the  governed  ;  that 
whenever  any  form  of  government  becomes  dcflni&i  w  (if 
thefe  ends,  it  is  the  right  of  the  people  to  alter  or  t.oaboJifh 
it,  and  to  inflitutea  new  government,  laying  its  foundation 
on  fuch  principles,  and  organizing  its  powers  in  iuch  forms 
as  fhall  feem  mo  ft  likely  to  effect  their  fafcty  and  happinek. 
Prudence,  indeed,  will  diftate,  that  governments  long  eftJ.- 
blifhed  fhould  not  be  changed  for  light  andtranficnt  caufes  ; 
and  accordingly  all  experience  hath  fhewn,  that  mankind 
arc  more  difpolcd  to  fuffer  while  evils  are  iufferable,  than 
to  right  theinlclvcs  by  abolifhing  the  forms  to  which  they 
are  accuftomed.  But  when  a  long  train  of  abulcs  and 
ufurpations,  purfuing  invariably  the  fame  object,  evinces  a 
dei  gn  to  reduce  them  under  abfolute  delpotifm,  it  is  their 
right,  it  is  their  duty  to  throw  off  fuch  government,  and  to 
provide  new  guards  for  their  future  fecurity.  Such  has 
been  the  patient  fulferance  of  thefe  Colonies  ;  and  fuch  is 
now  the  neceffity  which  conftrains  them  to  alter  their  form- 
er lyftems  of  government.  The  hiftory  of  the  prcfent 
king  of  Great-Britain  is  a  hiftory  of  repeated  injuries  and 
ufurpations,  all  having  in  dircft  objeft  the  cftablifhment  of 
an  abfolute  tyranny  over  thefe  States.  To  prove  this,  let 
facts  be  lubmitted  to  a  candid  world. 


4 


DECLARATION    OF  INDEPENDENCE 


"  He  lias  forbidden  his  governors  to  pafs  laws  of  imme- 
diate and  prefiing  importance,  unlefs  iufpended  in  their 
operation  till  his  alfont  fhould  be  obtained  ;  ar.d  when  To 
Iufpended,  he  has  utterly  neglected  to  attend  to  them. 

"  He  has  refufed  to  pafs  other  laws  for  the  accommoda- 
tion of  large  diftri£U  of  people,  unlefs  thefe  people  would 
relinquifh  the  right  of  reprclent.a ion  in  the  legiflature ;  a 
right  incftimablc  to  them,  and  formidable  to  tyrants  only. 

**  He  has  called  together  lrgiflative  bodies  at  places  unu- 
fua),  uncomfortable,  and  diftant  from  the  •'.cpofitory  of  their 
public  records,  for  the  folc  purpofc  of  fatiguing  them  into 
compliance  with  his  mcafurcs. 

"  He  has  dilTolvcd  reprelcntjtive  heufes  repeatedly,  foi 
oppofing  with  manly  nrrnnefshi:,  invafi'ons  on  the  lights  of 
the  people. 

"  He  has  refufed,  for  a  long  time  after  fuch  diffolutions' 
to  caufe  others  to  be  elected  ;  whereby  the  legiilative  powers, 
incapable  of  annihilation,  have  returned  to  the  people  at 
large  for  their  exeicife;  the  State  remaining  in  the  mean 
time  cxpolcd  to  all  the  danger  of  iuvafion  from  without,  and 
convuHions  within. 

n  He  has  endeavoured  to  prevent  the  population  of  thefe 
State*; :  for  that  purpofe  obftrufting  the  laws  for  naturaliza- 
tion of  foreigners  ;  refufing  to  pafs  others  to  encourage 
their  migration  hither  ;  and  raifuig  the  condition*  of  new 
appropriations  of  lands. 

"  He  has  obMructed  the  adminiflraticn  of  juftice,  by  re- 
fufing his  afient  to  laws  for cflablifhing judiciary  powers. 

"  He  has  made  judges  dependent  on  his  will  alone  for 
the  tenure  of  their  offices,  and  the  amount  and  payment  of 
their  falaries. 

"  He  has  ercfted  a  multitude  of  new  offices,  and  fent  hi- 
ther fwarms  of  officers  tohariafsour  people  and  eat  out  their 
tubflance. 

"  He  has  kept  among  us,  in  times  of  peace,  flanding  ar- 
mies, without  the  confent  of  our  legiflatures. 

"  He  has  afTcfted  to  render  the  military  independent  of, 
and  fuperior  to,  the  civil  power. 

"  He  has  combined  with  others  to  fubjefc  us  to  a  jurif- 
diftion  foreign  to  our  conftitution,  and  unacknowledged 
by  our  laws  ;  giving  his  alfent  to  their  afts  of  pretended 
legiflation  : 

For  quartering  large  bodies  of  armed  troops  among  us  : 

"  For  protecting  them,  by  mock  trial,  from  punifhment 
for  any  murders  which  they  fhould  commit  on  the  inhabi- 
tants of  thefe  Stages  : 


"  For  cutting  off  our    trade    with  all  parts  of  the 


DECLARATION  OF  INDEPENDENCE. 


5 


"  For  depriving  us,  in  many  cafes,  of  the  benefits  of  trial 
by  jury  :  BT 

'•  For  traufporting  us  beyond  fcas  to  be  tried  for  pretend- 
ed offences  : 

"  For  abolifhing  the  free  iyftem  of  Englifh  laws  in-  a 
neighbouring  province,  cftablifhing  therein  an  arbitrary 
government,  and  enlarging  its  boundaries,  fo  as  to  render  it 
at  onc«  an  example  and  fit  inftrument  for  introducing  the- 
fame  abfohite  rule  in  thefe  colonies  : 

"  For  taking  away  our  charters,  abolifhing  our  mod  va- 
luable laws,  and  altering  fundamentally  the  forms  of  our 
governments  : 

"  For  lufpending  our  own  legislatures,  and  declaring 
theinfclves  inverted  with  power  to  legiilate  for  us  in  all 
cafes  whatsoever.  '^^S**. 

"  l  ie  has  abdicated  government  here,  by  declaring  us  out 
of  his  protection,  and  waging  war  againft  us. 

'  ■  J  le  has  plundered  our  leas,  ravaged  our  coafls,  burnt 
our  towns,  and  deftroyed  the  lives  of  our  people. 

"  He  is,  at  this  time  t  ranfporting  large  armies  of  foreign 
mcrccneries  to  complete  the  works  of  death,  delolation,  and 
tyranny,  alreadv  begun  with  circumttanccs  of  cruelty  and 
perfidy,  fcarcely  paralleled  in  the  moft  barbarous  ages,  and 
totally  unworthy  the  head  of  a  civilized  nation. 

"  lie  has  conftrained  our  fellow-citizens,  taken  captive 
on  the  high  leas,  to  bear  arms  againft  their  country,  to  be- 
come the  executioners  of  their  friends  and  brethren,  or  to 
fall  themfclvcs,  by  their  hands. 

<:  He  has  excited  domeftic  infurreftions  amongft  us,  and 
has  endeavoured  to  bring  on  the  inhabitants  of  our  frontiers, 
the  mercilcls  Indian  lavages,  whofc  known  rule  of  warfare, 
is  an  undiftinguilhcd  deftruttion  of  all  ages,  lexes,  and  con- 
ditions. 

"  In  every  ftage  of  thefe  oppreffions  we  have  petitioned 
for  rcdrcls  in  the  moft  humble  terms  :  our  repeated  peti- 
tions have  been  anlwered  only  by  repeated  injury.  A  prince 
whole  character  is  thus  marked  by  every  act  which  may  de- 
fine a  tyrant,  is  unfit  to  be  the  ruler  of  a  free  people. 

"  Nor  have  we  been  wanting  in  attention  to  our  Britifh  brc" 
thren.  Vv'c  Invc  warned  them  from  time  to  time  of  attempt 
madeby  their  legillature  to  extend  an  unwarrantablejurildit" 
tiou  over  us.  We  have  reminded  them  of  the  circumftances 
of  our  emigration  and  fettlement  here. 'We  have  appealed  to 
their  native  jufticeand  magnanimity,  and  we  nave  conjured 
them  by  the  ties  of  our  comn.on  kindred,  to  diTavow  thsfo: 
ufurpations,  which  would  inevitably  interrupt  our  connad 
tions  and  corrclpondence.     I'hev.  too.  have  been  d;.if  r.»! 


6  DECLA&ATIO>J  OF  INDEPENDENT".. 


and  hold  them,  as  vrc  hold  the  reft,  of  mankind,  enemies  in 
>v«r — in  peace,  friends. 

We,  therefore,  the  Reprefcntativcs  of  the  United  States 
of  America,  in  general  Congrels  aftcmbled,  appealing  to  the 
Supreme  Judge  of  the  world,  for  the  rtftitude  of  i  u-  inten- 
tions, do,  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  the  good 
people  of  tliefc  colonies,  lolcir.nly  publifh  and  declare,  that 
thele  united  colonics  ate.  and  of  right,  ought  to  he  free  and 
independent  ftates  — that  they  ateahlolved  from  all  allegi- 
ance the  Britifh  crown  ; — that  all  political  connection  be- 
tween them  and  the  ftate  of  Great-Britain,  is  and  ought  to 
be  totally  diffolved  ;  and  that,  as  free  and  independent 
flalct,  they  have  full  power  to  levy  war,  conclude 
peace,  contract  alliances,  eftxblifh  comirercc,  and  to  do  ail 
other  ifts  and  things,  which  independent  ftalcs  may  of 
right  do.  And  for  the  lupport  of  this  declaration,  witb  a  firm 
reliance  on  the  protection  of  divine  providence,  we  mutual- 
ly pledge  to  each  other  our  lives,  our  fortunes,  and  our  ia- 
cred  honour. 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

Keui-HampJiLirc,  Jonah  Bartlet,  William  Whipple,  Mat- 
thew Thornton. 

Majfachujeits-Bay,  Samuel  Adams,  John  Adams,  Robert 
Treat  Paine,  Elbridge  Gerry. 

Rhode- Ijland,lic.  Stephen  Hopkins,  William  Ellerv. 

Connecticut,  Roger  Sherman,  Samuel  Huntington,  William 
Williams,  Oliver  Wolcott. 

Nezc-York,  William  Floyd,  Philip  Livingflon,  Francis 
Lewis,  Lewis  Morris. 

Keu-jerffy,  Richard  Stockton,  John  W:  thcrfpoon, 
Francis  Hopkinfon,  John  Hart,  Abraham  Clark. 

PennfyLania,  Robert  Morris,  Bcnjarr.in  Rufh,  Benjamin 
Franklin,  John  Morton,  George"  Clyracr,  James  Siruth, 
George  Taylor,  James  Willon,  George  Rols. 

Delaware,  Caclar  Rodney,  George  Read. 

Maryland,  Samuel  Chafe,  William  Paca.  Thc.mzs  Store, 
Charles  Carroll,  of  Carrollton. 

Virginia,  George  Wythe,  Richard  Henry  Lee,  Thomas 
"Jefferfon,  Benjamin  Harrifon,  Thomas  Nclion,  jun.  Ftancis 
Light  foot  Lee,  Carter  Braxton. 

Norih  Cardina,  William  Hooper,  Jofeph  Hewcs,  John 
Penn. 

houth-Carolina,  Edward  Rutledgc,  Thomas  Havward,  jun. 
Tliomas  Lynch,  jun.  Arthur  Middleto:.. 

Kcorgioi  Button  Gwinnett,  Lyman  ball,  George  Wal- 
ton. 


CO  N  ST  IT  UT 10  N 


Of  THE 

UNITED  STATES. 

The  Constitution  framed  for  the  United  jlattf  of  America,   by  a 
Convention  of  Detuijeu  from  the  States  of  New-lIaintflUre, 
Majfd< iiufctts,  Connedicui,  Keui-York,  New)  Jtrfiy,  i'enn~ 
fyluxnia,  Delaware,   Maryland,  V-.rginia,  North-Carotiia, 
South-Carolina  and  Georgia,  at  a  Stfiort  ie^un  May. 25, 
,  and  ended  September*,    , 1787. 

WE,  the  people  of  the  United  glares,  in  order  to 
form  a  more  pcrfett  union,  eftabt i fii  jufticc,  infurc 
domeflic  tranquility,  provide  for  the  cpnyhpn  defence, 
promote  the  geru;l  welfare,  and  fecure  the  blcITirVgs  of 
liberty  to  ourfelves  and  our  poiterity.  do  ordain  and 
eilablifh  this  conflit  ution  for  the  United  States  of 
America. 

■Article  1 . 

section  til 

ALL  legiflative  powers  herein  granted,  fhall  be  vetted 
in  a  Congrefs  of  the  United  States,  which  fhall  confift  of 
a  Senate  and  Iloufeof  Reprelcntatives; 

SECTION  II. 

1.  The  houfe  of  reprefentati  vcr,  fhall  coil  fill  of  mem- 
bers chofen  evety  fecond  year,  by  the  people  of  the  Icvc- 
ral  States;  and  the  clcftors,  in  each  State,  fh-ll  have  the 
(Qualifications  rcquifitc  for  electors  of  the  mv.fl  numerous 
branch  of  the  (late  tegiflature. 

2.  No  perlon  ihall  be  a  reprcfentative,  who  fhall  not 
have  attained  to  the  age  of  twenty-five  years,  and  been 
feven  years  a  citizen  of  the  United  States  ;  and  who  lh.~ll 
not.  when  elected,  be  an  inhabitant  of  that  State  in  which 
he  Ihall  be  chofen, 

3.  Rcpreleniativcs,  and  direct  taxes  fhall  be  apportioned 
among  the  leveral  ft.au  s,  which  may  be  included  in  'his 
union,  according  to  their  rcfpeclivc  numbers,  w  hich  fh;ll 
be  determined  by  adding  to  the  whole  number  of 'free  per- 
fons,  including  thofc  bound  to  Service  for  a  term  of  years, 
and  excluding  Indians  not  taxed,  three-fifths  of  all  other 
perfons.  The  actual  enumeration  fhall  be  made  within 
thiec  years  after  the  firfl  meeting  of  the  congrcls  of  the 


8 


coNSTWi  riox  or  thk  united  states 


year*,  in  fuch  manner  as  they  fhalJ  by  law  direct.  The 
number  of  representatives  (hall  not  exceed  one  for  every  1 
thirty  thouland  :  but  each  (late  fliall  have  at  lead  one  re-, 
prcleniative  :  and,  until  Inch  enumeration,  fliall  be  made, 
the  flate  of  New -J  laaipfhitc  fhsll  be  entitled  to  choofe 
three  ;  'M;:fl"ac1u.fctt$ 'eight';  Rhodc-1  (land  and  Providence 
Plantations  One ;  Con nefti rut  five  ;  New- York  fix  |  New. 
Jerlcy  four  ;  Pcnnfyl  vartia  eight ;  Delaware  one  ;  Maryland 
fx;  Virginia  ten;  Ninth-Carolina  Eve:  South-Carolina 
five;  and  Georgia  thicc\  i    1  S   l  i 

4.  When  v;e.incics  happen  in  th'-  reprefentation  from 
anv  fiate,  the  .executive  authority  thrcof  fliall  ifTuc  writs 
cf  diction  to  fiikluch  Vacsncre*. 

5»i/J h-4  houfe  of  *cprrl«iitstives  fliall  c hoofe  theirfpeaker 
and  other  officers;  and  [lull  have  the  Icle  power  of  im- 
peachment. 

SECTION  III. 

i. 'The  fcrts>tcor  the  United  States  {lull  be  competed  of 
two  fenators  from  c?ch  ftatc,  uiaieri  by  the  legiflaturc  there- 
of, for'fix  years  ;    andjtacji  ferialor  fliall  have  one  vole. 

St.'  1  miricdiati  lv  afur  they  fliall  be  aircmblcd,  in  confe- 
'qiieiicc  of  the  fir'fY  election,  they  fliall  be  divided,  as  equal- 
ly as  m«y  be,  into  thice  tlafies.  The  feats  of  the  fenators 
of  the  fiift  cl;  fs  lhall  he  vacateiS  it  the  t xpiration  of  the 
fecond  ye?r  ;  of  the  iec  onri  aWz,  at  the  expiration  of  the 
fourth  year,  ;  jnd  of  the  third  clats,  at  the  expiration  of 
the  fixtr)  year  ,  fo  that  one  third  may  be  chofen  every  le- 
cond  year.  And  if  vacancies  happen,  by  refignation  or. 
olhcrwilc,  durii.g  the  tccefs  of  the le^iflat ure  of  any  flatr, 
the  executive  thereof  may  mvke  temporary  appointments 
until  the  next  meeting  of  the  legiflaturc.  which  fliall  then 
fill  fuch  vacancies.      ,  J 

3.  No  pcrfon  fhall  be  a  fenator,  who  fh all  not  have  at- 
tained to  the  age  of  thirty  years,  arid  been  nine  years  a 
citizen  of  the  United  Slates;  and  who  fhall  not,  when 
elected,  be  an  inhabitant  of  that  flatc  fur  which  he  fhall 
be  chofen. 

4.  The  Vice  Prcftdent  of  the  United  States  fhall  be  Tre- 
f.dcnt  of  the  Senate  ;  but  fhall  have  no  vote,  unlcfs  they 
be  equally  divided. 

5.  The  lenale  fliill  choofe  their  other  officers,  and  alfo 
a  I' re fi dent  pro  tempore,  in  the  abfence  of  the  Vicc-Prcfi- 
denf,  cr  when  he  fhall  excrcile  the  office  of  Prefidcnt  of 
the  United  States. 

6.  The  fenate  fliall  have  the  fole  power  to  try  all  impeach- 
ments. When  fitting  for  that  purpof<»,  they  fhall  be  on 
oath  or  affirmation.  When  the  Prefidcnt  of  the  United 
States  is  t  ried,  the  chief  juflice  fhzll  pre  fide  :  and  no  per- 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


9 


•j.  Judgment,  in  cafe  of  impeachment,  fhnll  not  extend 
further  than  to  removal  from  office,  and  difqualification 
to  hold  and  enjoy  any  office  of  honour,  truft,  or  profit, 
under  the  United  States.  Jlut  the  party  convicted  fhall, 
rievertneJeTs,  be  liable  and  lubject  to  indictment,  trial, 
judgment  and  punifhmcnt  according,  to  law. 

SECTION  IV. 

1.  The  times,  places,  and  manner  of  holding  elections 
for  (enators  and  reprefentat i ves,  fhall  be  preicribed  in  each 
flate  by  the  legiflature  thereof  :  but  the  Congvefs  may,  at 
any  time,  by  law,  make  or  alter  i'u?h  regulations,  except 
as  to  the  places  of  choofing  fer/a torsi  i&!tk&±& 

2.  The  Congrels  fhall  affc'mblc  at  leaft  once  in  every 
year  ;  and  fuch  meeting  fliall  be  on  the  fir  ft  Manday  fn 
December,  unlefs  they  fhall  by  law  appoint  a  different  day. 

.  '..  ,\p  E-C  T  I  O  N  V*^:J$i$E^33w- 

1.  Each  houfe  fhall  be  the  judge  of  the  elections,  returns, 
and  qualifications  of  its  two  members  :  and  a  majority  of 
each  fhall  conftitute  a  quorum  to  do  bufmefs  :  but  a  (mailer 
number  may  adjourn  from  day  to  day,  and  may  be  autho- 
rifed  to  compel  the  attendance,  of  abfent  members,  in  fuch 
manner,  and  under  fuch  penalties  as  each  houfe  may  pro- 
vide.   .  ■ '^EjSl^TwSp^r *"      gft     v  '-'^'Sif^^'P'f 

2.  Each  houfc  may  determine  the  rules  of  its  proceed- 
ings ;  punifh  its  members  for  diforderlv  behaviour  ;  and, 
with  the  concurrence  of  two  thirds,  expel  a  member. 

3.  Each  houfe  fhall  keep  a  journal  of  its  proceedings  ; 
and,  from  time  to  time,  pubiifh  the  fame,  excepting  luch 
parts  as  may  in   their  judgment   require  fecrecy  ;  and  the 

-yea-sand  nay*  of  the  members  of  either  houfe.  on  any  quef- 
tlon,  fhall,  at  the  defi're  of  one-fifth  of  thofe  prefeht,  be 
entered  on  the  journal.  ■    :  >)  '{ 7    ,  p^ff 

4.  Neither  houfe,  during  the  feffion  of  Congrefs,  fhall, 
without  the  confent  of  the  other,  adjourn  for  more  than 
three  days,  nor  to  any  other  place  than  that  in  which  the 
two  houfes  fliall  be  futing. 

SECTION  VI. 

1.  The  Senators  and  representatives  fliall  receive  a  com- 
penfation  for  their  ferviccs.  to  be  alcei  taincd  by  law,  -and 
paid  out  of  the  trcafury  <>f  the  United  States.  Fney  fhall, 
in  all  cafes,  except  treafon,  felony,  and  breach  of  the  peace, 
be  privileged  from  an  aricft,  during  their  attendance  at 
the  feffion  of  their  refptftive  houfes,  and  in  going  to, 
and  returning  from  the  fame  :  and'  for  any  fpecch  or  debate 
in  cither  houle,  they i fnall  not  be  queftipned  in  any  other 
.place.     .  >    1  ,"• ' 

2.  No  fenator  or  re  preferiutivc  fiiai!,  during,  the  time  • 


10  CONSTITUTION  Ot  T1JF.  UNITED  STATES. 

under  the  authm  itv  of  the  United  States,  which  fhall  hav« 
been  created,  or  the  emoluments  of  which  (hall  have  been 
encrcalcd>  during  fuch  timet  and  no  perlon.  holding  any 
office  under  the  United  States,  (hall  be  a  member  of  either 
houfe,  dui  nig  his  continiifrfrce  iti  ofiicc. 

•  '  SECTlpN  VII. 

i.  All  bills,  for,  railing  revenue,  {hall  otiginate  in  the 
houfc  of  t  cprcfcntativcs  5  but  the  lcnate  fliall  prwpofe  or 
concur  with  amendments,  as  on  other  bills. 

a.  Every  bill  which  (hall  have  palled  the  houfc  of  re- 
presentatives and  the  fenatc,  (hall,  before  it  become,  a  law, 
he  prefented  to  the  Prefident  of  the  United  States.  it  he 
approve,  he  fhall  fign  it  :  hut  if  not,  he  lhall  ieturn  it, 
with  his  objfflions,  to  that  houfe,  in  which  it  fliall  have 
originated,  v.  ho  fliall  enter  the  objections  at  large  on  their 
journal,  and  proceed  to  confidcr-  ir»  If,  after  inch  recon- 
fidcration.  two  thirds  of  that  houfc  (hall  agree  to  pafs  the 
bill,  it  fhall  be  lent,  together  with  the  objections,  to  the 
other  houfe.  by  lvhich  it  fliall  likewife  be  1  econfiderrd  : 
and,  if  app/oved  by  two  .thirds  of  that  houic,  it  n..:il  be- 
come a  law.  But,  in  all  /veil  Cifes.  the  votes  of  both 
houles  fh*ll  be  determined  by  vfias  «ud  .nays  :  ?nd  the 
names  of  theperfons  voting  foranci  agaiiifl.  the  bill,  fh?ll  be 
entered  on  the  journal  of  each  houfc  refpeclivclv.  If  any 
bill  fhall  not  be  returned  by  the  Prefident,  within  ten  days 
(Sundays  excepted)  after  it  fliall  have  been  prcfeatcd  to  him, 
the  fame  fliall  be  a  law,  in  like  manner,  as  if  he  had  figned 
it,  unlefs  the  Congrefs,  by  their  adjournment,  prevent  it* 
jcturn  ;   in  which  cafe  it  fhall  not  be  a  law. 

3.  Every  o  tiler,  rclolution,  or  Vote,  to  which  the  con- 
•currcncc  .of  the  fenatc  and  houie  of  reprcfentatives  may  be 
nccefiary  (except  on  a  quel? ion  of  adjournment)  and  fliall 
be  picfentcd  to  the  Prefident  of  the  United  States  ;  and 
before  the  fame  fliall  t;kc  efTc£t,  be  approved  by  him;  or, 
being  difapproved  by  him,  fliall  be  rc  pa  fled  by  two-thirds 
of  both  houlcs,  according  to  the  rules  and  limitations  pie- 
fcribcd  in  the  tale  of  a  bill. 

The  Congrefs  fliall  have  power, 

1.  To  lay  and  collect  taxes,  duties,  impofls,  and  excifirs, 
to  pay  the  debts,  and  provide  for  the  common  defence, 
and  general  welfare,  of  the  United  States  ;  but  all  duties, 
impofls,  and  excifes,  fhall  be  uniform  throughout  the 
United  States. 

To  borrow  money  on  the  credit  of  the  United  States. 
3.  To  regulate    commerce    with   foreign   nations,  and 
amoni  theicve^^^^^^^^^i^ 


CONSTITUTION'  OF  THE  UMTKD  STATES. 


uniform  Jaws  on  the  iubjeft  of  bankruptcies,,  throughout 
the  United  States. 

,5.  To  coin  money;  regulate  the  value  thereof,  and  of 
foreign  coin  ;  and  fix  the  ilandard  of  weights  and  irjea- 
fures.  .  t    ; „  )^J^^^^^^aKiiilu,  1 

0,  To  pj-pyidc  for  the  punifhment  of  counterfeiting  the 
fec'uiitie'j  and  current  coin  of  the  United  States. 

7.  To,  eftablifh  poll-offices  and  poft-roads, 

8.  To  promote  the  progiefs  of  fcience  and  ufeful  arts, 
by  fecuring,  for  limited  times,  to  authors  and  inventors, 
ifiecxclufive  right  to  thpir  relpcftive  writings  and  diicove- 

9.  To  conftitute  tribunals  inferior  to  the  fuprcme  court. 

10.  To  define  and  punifh  piracies  and  felonies  committed 
pn  the  high,  leas,  and  offences  ag>;ind  the  law  of  nations. 

i).  To'declare  war  ;  grant  letters  of  ma:  que  and  repri- 
sal ;  and  make  rules  concerning  captures  on  iaiid  and  water, 

13.  To  raile  and  lupporl  armies.  But  no  appropriation 
of  money  for  that  ujc,  fhall  be  for  a  longer  term  man  tw,o 
vea r s~^^^Ef^^^^/S^^t^£^^sW^^^^jk-  n a'^tSyjfetb: 

1,  j.  To  provide  gnd^njainlain  a^iavY'.  -.v^^S^^mr^m>i ■ 
1      To  make  rules  for  the  government  and  regulation  of 

the  Jand  and  naval  forces.  L 

15.  'I'o  provide  for  calling  forth  the  militia,  tp  execute  the 
Jaws  of  the  union,  Juppreis  inlurrec|ions,  and  repcj  invali- 

pns.         S^^^Swlf^ESBEMM jaMr^M^^WroMi  *mF^6^  & 
16".  To  provi-.le  for  organising,  arming,  and  difciplining 

the  militia,  and  for  governing  luch  part  of  them  as  may  be 

employed  in  the  lervice  of  the  United  States:  relervjng 

to  the  States  respectively  the  appointment  of  the  officers, 

au^thc  authority  of  training  the  militia  according  to  the 

dilcipiine  prelcribed  by  Congrcls,  M^fff'i) 

17.  To  exercife  cxclufive  legislation,  in  all  cafes  what- 
focver  oyer  fueh  dilh  ici  (not  exceeding  t-cn  miles  fquare)  as 
P  -y,  by  ccflion  of  particular  States,  and  the,  acceptance  <  f 
^■ongrefs,  become  the  feat  or  die  government  of.  the  United 
States;  and  to  cxerciic  ljke  authority  over  all  places  pur- 
chased by  the  eor.fcnt  of  •  the  legislature  of  the  State  in 
which  the  fame  Ifeal)  be.  for  the  erection  of  forts,  ma- 
gazines, arienajs,  dock-yards,  and  other  needful  buildings: 

18.  'Jo  make  all  laws,  which  fhall  be  neceffary  and  pro- 
per for  carrying  into  execution  the  foregoing  power*,  and 
all  other  powers  veiled  by  this  conflitution  in  the  govern- 
ment of  the  United  States^  or  in  any  department  or  officer 
thereof.  "  .'')'.* 

SECTION  IX. 

i.  The  migration  or  importation  of  fuch  perfons,  as  any 
t>f  the  States  now  cxifting,  lfiall  think  proper  to  admit, 


1 « 


COKSTITUTION*  Or  THE  UNITED  STATES* 


fhall  not  be  prohibited  by  the  Congrefs,  prior  to  the  year 
one  (houland  eight  hundred  and  eight  :  but  a  tax  or  duty 
may  be  impoled  on  fuch  importation,  and  not  exceeding 
ten  dollars  for  each  perfon. 

2.  The  privilege  of  the  writ  of  habeas  corpus  fhall  not 
be  lufpended,  unlcfs  when,  in  cafes  of  rebellion  or  inva- 
sion,  the  public  fafety  may  require  it. 

3.  No  bill  of  attainder,  or  cx  port  fafto  law  fhall  be  paff- 

•  4.  No  capitation  or  other  dircft  tax  fhall  be  laid,  unlcfs 
in  proportion  to  the  cenfus  cr  enumeration  herein  before 
direfted  to  be  taken. 

5.  No  t2x  or  duty  fhall  be  laid  on  articles  exported  from 
any  State.  No  preference  fhall  be  given,  by  any  regula- 
tion of  commerce  or  revenue,  to  the  ports  of  one  State  over 
thofc  of  another  :  nor  fhall  veffels,  bound  to  or  from  one 
State,  be  obliged  to  enter,  clear,  or  pay  duties  in  ano- 

6.  No  money  fliall  be  drawn  from  the  treafury,  but  in 
conlequcnce  or  appropriations  made  by  law  ;  and  a  regular 
Aatcmentand  account  of  the  receipts  and  expenditure*  of 
all  public  money  fhall  he  publilhed  from  time  to  time. 

7.  No  title  of  Nobility  fhall  be  granted  by  the  United 
States  :  And  no  pci  fon  holding  any  office  of  profit  or  trurt 
under  them,  fhall,  without  the  conlent  of  Congrefs,  accept 
of  any  prcient,  cmolumont,  office,  or  title,  of  any  kind 
whatever,  from  any  king,  prince,  or  foreign  ftatc, 

V "Sf?^  "  J. '(pi. V;<-  ■ 

1.  No  State  fhall  enter  into  any  treaty,  alliance,  or 
confederation;  giant  letters  of  marque  and  rcprtzal  ;  coin 
money,  emit  bills  of  credit  ;  make  any  thing  but  gold  and 
lilver  coin  a  tender  in  payment  of  debts  ;  pals  any  bill  of 
attainder,  ex  pejt  faflolzw,  or  law  irripairing  the  obligation 
of  contfifts,  or  grant  any  title  of  nobility, 

2.  No'ftate  fhall-,  without  the  conlent  of  Congrefs, .  lav 
any  imports  or  duties  oh  imports  or  exports,  except  whap 
may  be  ebfolut'ely  neceffary  for 'executing  its  inlpeftion 
laws  ;  and  the  net  produce  of  all  duties  and  imports,  laid 
by  any  State  on  imports  of  exports,  fhall  be  for  the  ufc 
of  the  treafury  of  the  United  States  ;  and  all  luch  laws 
fhall  be  fubjeet  to  the  revifion  and  controul  of  the  Congrefs. 
No-rt-at-e  fhall,  without  the  •  confent  of  Congrefs,  lay 
any  duty  on  tonnage,"  keep  troops,  or  fhips  of  war,  in 
time  of  peace,-  enter  into  any  agreement  or  cornpaft  with 
another  State,  or  with  a  foreign  power,  or  engage  i-n  war , '' 
unlcfs  actually  invaded^  or?  in  Inch  imminent  danger  as  will 
sot  admit  of  delay. 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES.         .  i3 


1.  The  executive  power  dial!  be  veflcd  in  the  Prcfidcnt  of 
the  United  States  of  America;'  lie  fhall  hold  his  ofnee 
during  the  term  of 'four  years,  and,  together 'with  the 
Vicc-Prefideut,  choh-.n  for  the  fame  term,  be  eletted  as 
follows  :     '  »8r^r*;         ;  ^  v?^fffi'?^t^<T^ ^^'^ 

2.  Each  State  fhall  appoint,  in  fuch  mariner  as  the  lcgif- 
l -it u re  thereof  may  direct,  a  number  of' electors,  equal  to 
the  whole  number  of.  tcnators  and  reprclcntativcs,  to  which 
the  flafe  may  be  entitled  in  the  Congrcfs.  But  no  fenaVor,' 
or  representative,  or  per  ("on  holding  an  office  of  truft  or 
pVufit  under  the  United  States,  fhall  be  appointed  an' elec- 
tor. '  ,'1?35JSS^^W^^^^^* •V-ii?'*f7^ 

%  The  dehors  ffiHJl  meet  in  their  refpefitive  States,  and' 
voir  bV  ballot  for  two  perfons,  of  whom  one,  at  Jlcaft', 
fltfflhW?  bt  an  inhabitant  of  thefame  State  witri  themfcl'ves. 
And  they  fhaji  m-kc  a  lift  of  all  the  perfons  voted  f6r;  and 
of  the  number  of  votes  for  each  :  which  lift  :thcy  :fhall 
fnp  and  certify,  and  t  ran  I'm  it  f/ealed  to  the  feat  of  the  go- 
vernment of  theUnircd  States  directed  to  the  Prehdcnt  of 
the,  ftfnate.  The  PVeflcJen't  of  the  fcnafc  fhall,  in  the. pre- 
tence of  (he  fenate  and  houl'eof  reprcfentatjves,  open  all 
the  certificates,  and  the  votes  fhall  then  be  couiited.  The 
ueifon  having  the  gifcat eft  number  of  votes  fhall  be  thst 
1'jchuen!.  ii  iuch  number  be  a  majority  of  the  whole  num- 
ber of  electors  appointed;  and  if  there  be  more  than  one 
who  .have  luch  majority,  and  have  an  equal  .number  of 
votes,  then  the  houle  of  reprelcntati  ves  fliall  immediately 
rhooicbv  ballot  one  of  them  for  Prcfident,  and  if  no  petv 
lay  have  a  majority,  then,  from  the  five  higheft  on  the. 
lift,  tin:  laid  hmile  {hall  in  like  manner  choolc  the  Prcfi-. 

'nt.  But  m  choofing  ths  Prclidcnt,  the  vp'tcs  fhall  be. 
.taken  by  States,  the  reprelentation  from  each  State  having 
one  vote  :  a. quorum  for  this  purpofc  fhall,  con!) ft  of  a' 
member  or  members  from  two-thirds  of  the  States  :  and  a 
majority  of  ail  the  States  fhall  be  nccefTary  to  a  choice. 
In  every  cafe,  after  tli*  choice  of  the  Preddent  the  perfon 
having  the  grcatcft  number  of  votes  of  the  electors,  fhall 
be  tire  Vicc-Pi  cThIco  t.  But  if  there  fhould  rciu.in  two  or 
more,  w.lio  have  equal  votes,  the  feuates  fhall  choolc  from 
them,  by  baliot,  tiic  \'ice-Prefidcnt. 

4.  The  Congrcfs  i*ay  determine  the  time  of  choofing 
the  clcclors,  and  the  day  on  which  they  fhall  give  their 
votes;  which  day  ihall  be  the  fame  throughout  tne  United 
States. 

r.  No  pn  fon,  except  a  natural  born  citizen,  or  a  citizca 
of  the  United  States,  at  the  time  of  the  adoption  of  this 

ConftUutKtn.    fliall    he  r^o\U\,  t»   t  K «.  .»>C-  -for. 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THK  L'XtTED  STATES. 


Neither  fhall  any  perfon  be  eligible  to  ti>at  office,  who 
fhall  not  have  attained  to  t lie  age  of  thirty  rive  year*,  and 
been  fourteen  years  a  relident  within  the  United  States. 

6.  In  cafe  o-f  the  removal  of  the  Prefident  from  office, 
«r  of  his  death,  resignation,  o%  inability,  to  dilchargc  the 
powers  and  duties  of  the  fa  id  office,  the  lame  fhall  de- 
volve on  the  Vicc-Prcfident  ;  and  t lie  Congrefs  may,  by 
law,  provide  for  the  calc  of  removal,  death,  rclignation, 
or  inability,  both  of  the  Prefident  awd  Viic-Prefidcnt,  de- 

'  clnring  what  officer  fhall  then  aft  as  Pi  rf:  dent  ;  and  fuch 
officer  fhall  aft  accordingly,  until  the  dilabilny  be  remov- 
ed,  or  a  Prefident  fhall  be  clcftcd. 

7.  The  Prefident  fhall,  at  flated  times,  receive  (or  hi* 
fervices,  a  compenfation,  which  fhall  neit her  be  encteared 
nor  diminifhed,  during  the  period  for  which  he  (hall 
have  been  elefted  :  and  he  fhall  pot  receive,  within  that 
period,  any  other  emolument  from  United  States,  or 
any  of  them, 

8.  Before  he  enter  on  the  execution  of  his  office,  he  fhall 
take  the  follow  ing  oath  or  affii mat  ion  : 

M  1  do  folemnly  fwcar  (or  affirm)  that  I  will  faithfully 
"  exreute  the  office  of  Prefident  of  tnu  United  States; 
*'  and  wilt,  to  the  bed  of  my  ability,  prrfcrve,  pioteft, 
*'  and  defend  the  L'onfi itution  of  the  United  Stales." 

S  E  C  T  I  O  N  LL 

x.  The  Prefident  fliall  be  cr.mmJndcr  in  chief  of  the  ar- 
my and  navy  of  the  United  States.  ;nd  of  the  militia  of  the 
fcveial  States,  when  called  into  the  actual  fcrvicc  vf  the 
United  States.  He  m?y  require  the  opinion,  in  writing, 
of  the  principal  officers  in  each  of  the  executive  depart- 
ments, upon  any  lub|ccts  relating  to  the  duties  of  their  re- 
lprftivc  offices  :  and  he  fhall  h;:vc  power  to  gr*nt  reprieves 
and  pardons,  for  off  ences  again  ft  the  United  States,  except 
in  cafes  of  impeachment. 

1.  He  fhall  have  power,  bvand  with  the  advice  and  con- 
lent  of  the  Senate,  to  make  treaties,  provided  two-thirds  of 
ihc  Senators  nrclcnt  concur  r  and  he  flisll  nominate,  and  by  ,1 
*ud  w  ith  the  advice  and  confentof  the  Senate,  fhall  appoint  / 
ambafladorS,  other  public  mini  Iters  and  conluls,  judges  of 
the  fuprcrr.e  court,  and  all  other  officers  of  the  United  ■ 
States,  whole  appointments  arc  not  hen  in   othci  wii«  pro- 
vided fpr,  andwjiich  fhall  be  eflabliflied  by  law.    but  the  j 
Congrefs  may,  by  law,  veft  the  appointment  oi  fuch  in- 
ferior officers,  .is'ihty  think  proper,  in  the  Prefident  alone, 
ia  the  courts  oflaw,  or  in  the  heads  of  departments. 

3.  The  Prefident  fhall  have  pow  er  to  fill  up  all  vacancies 
:h;t  tnav  happen. -dui  ing  the  rcccls  of  the  Senate,  by  grant-  j 
con;rr.iihonsj  which  fhall  expire  at  the  end  of  their  j 


coxs riru  no:;  or  the  united  states. 


SECTION  XIX. 

He  (hull,  from  time  to  time,  gi ve  to  the  Congrefs  infor- 
mation of  the  (Lite  of  the  Union  ;  and  recommend  to  their 
conitderatio.il  fuch  mcafures  as  he  Shall  judge  neccSfary  and 
expedient.  He  may,  on  extraordinary  occafions,  convene 
both  hiuifes,  or  cither  of  them  :  and,  i i>  cafe  of  dilagrcc- 
mcnt  between  them,  with  refpect  to  the  time  of  adjourn- 
ment, he  may  adjourn  them  to  fuch  time  as  he  fhall  think, 
proper.  Me  (hall  receive  amballadors  and  other  public  mi- 
nisters. He  (hall  take  care  that  the  laws  be  faithfully  execut- 
ed :  and  (Hall  committion  all  the  officers  of  the  United  States. 
SECTION  IV. 

The  Prcfident,  V  ice-Prcfident,  and  all  civil  officers  of 
the  United  States,  fhall  be  removed  from  office,  on  impeach- 
ment for,  and  conviction  of  treafon,  bribery,  or  other  big!* 
crime*  and  mifdemeanors, 

Article  III. 
SECTION  I . 

The  judicial  power  of-the  United  States  fhall  be  veiled 
in  one  lupreme  court,  and  in  fucb  inferior  courts  at>  t'nc 
■Congrefs  may.  from  time  to  time,  ordain  and  eftabliih.  'Die 
judges,  both  of  tiic  Supreme  and  inferior  courts,  iball  hold 
their  offices  during  good  behaviour  ;  ani  fhall  at  ft.itcd 
time>,  receive  for  their  Cervices,  a  compenfation,  whic  h 
fhall  not  bs  diminifhed  during  their  continuance  hi  £>T- 
fice. 

SECTION  II. 

1.  The  judicial  power  fhall  extend  to  all  cafes,  in  law  an  t 
equity,  ariling  under  this  conftitution,  the  laws  of  the 
United  States,  and  treaties  made,  or  which  fhall  be  nude, 
under  their  authority  ;  to  all  cafes  affefting  ambalSidoij, 
other  public  miniflers,  and  confuls  ;  to  all  cafes  of  admiralty 
and  maritime  jurisdiction  ;  to  contro  vcrfies  to  which  the 
United  States,  fljall  be  a  party  ;  to  controverfies  between 
two  or  more  States,  between  a  (late  and  citizens  of  another 
date,  between  citizens  of  different  States,  between  citizens 
of  the  fame  State,  claiming  lands  under  grants  of  different 
States,  and  between  a  State,  or  the  citizens  thereof,  and  fo- 
reign States,  citizens  or  fubjecls. 

2.  In  all  cafes  affecting  ambaffadors,  other  public  minif- 
ters  and  confuls,  and  thole  in  which  a  flate  fhall  be  a  party, 
the  Supreme  court  fhall  have  original  jurisdiction.  In  all 
the  other  cafes  before  mentioned,  the  lupreme  court  fhall 
have  appellate  jurifdiclion,  both  as  to  law  and  fact,  with  fuch 
exceptions,  and  under  fuch  regulations  as  the  Congrefs 
Shall  make. 

3.  The  trial  of  all  crimes,  except  in  cafes  of  impeachment, 
Shall  be  bv  jury  :  and  fuch  trials  lhall  be  held  in  the  State 
'vherc  the  Said   crimes  Shall  ha^e_J^n__c^rjiiiiiii£d_^Jiai_ 


i  6  CONSTITUTION-  OF  THE  USITI  T)  STATES. 


when  not  committed  within  any  flate,  the  trial  {hall  be  st 
fuch  place  or  places,  as  the  Congtefr  may  Ly  law  have  di- 
rt ctcd. 

SECTION  III. 

1 .  Trcafon  againfl  the  United  States,  mall  con  fid  only  in 
levying  war  again  11  them,  or  in  adhering  to  their  enemies, 
giving  them  aid  and  comfort.  No  pel  Ion  {hall  he  convicted  of 
trcafon  unlcfson  the  ttftimoiiy  o!  two  witnerfes  to  the  (ante 
overt  iQa  cr  on  con  fc  Hi  on  in  open  court. 

2.  The  Congrefs'fhall  have  full  power  to  declare  the  p::- 
nilhmchT  of  trcafon  :  but  no  attainder  of  trcafon  {hall  woi  k 
corruption  »f  LloocI,  or  forfeiture,  except  during  the  life 
of  the  pcrfon  attain  ted. 

Articte  IV. 
'  SEC  T  I  O  N'  I." 

Full  faith  and  credit  fiiall  be.givcn  in  cat h  flatc.  to  the 
P  Hie  ;th.  i  ccords,  apd  judicial  prccccdings  on  every  other 
(h  le.    And  the   Cin  gicls  may,^by  genet al  laws,  pielcril.e 
t'.;  maimer  in  which  fuch  a/tls,  records  and  proceedings 
1!  !.«  proved  and  the  e'ffifr.  ("hereof." 

S  i'.'Xl  T  ION  II. 
'.  The  citizens  of  each  flate  mall  he  entitled  to  all  the 
pyiv-ihgo;  and  immunities  of  c  itizens  in  the  IcvcrfcUlatt-s. 

■  .4  </ {5>rfun  charged »«  any  ftate  >vitn  irealoo,  felony,  &r 
•  i  *.\  i  Vf  iW^'lvjffo  Tftr.l  IreT* rffqn$U?iu{\  A>e  fdufm  in 

■  •  ;  •  i  ilasr,  ih*;!.  on  <!e;r.i  :.d  cf  the  executive  authority  of 
....  i:.te  tiont  which  he  lied,  he  dtltveicd  up,  to  Le  removed 
k»i  the  Hate,  having  jurileliftion  of  the  crime. 

;j.  No  pei. on,  held  to  let  vice  cr  labour  in  one  flatc,  un- 
dctthe  laws  i  hocof,  e!c;  ping  into  another,  (hall  in  confe- 
rence of  ,-ny  law  or  refutation  therein,  be  dilcharged  from 
luch  iervi.-c  or  laboui  ;  hut  fhall  be  dclivtud  up  on  claim 
cl  the  cany  to  wl.cm  luth  fervice  or  labour  may  be  due. 

i.  New  flates  may  he  a_dmiueu  by  the  Congrefs  into  this 
an. on  ;  but  no  new  ilate  {ball  be  formed  or  eiccted  wilhiii 

i.c  jurildiftion  of  any  other  flatc— nor  any  ftate  be  foin-cd 
by  the  junction  of  two  or  more  flates,  cr  pan*  of  flate;. — | 
without  the  conlent  of  the  legiflatures  of  the  flates  concern 
ed,  as  well  as  of  the  Congrefs. 

j^.  TheCongieLs  fhaell  have  power  to  dif'pofc  of,  ai  d  make 
ill  needful  rules  and  regulations  refpe  fling  the  tcirttoiy  or 
oilier  property  belonging  to  the  United  Stales  ;  ar.dnothia 
in  this  conftitution  {ball  be  fo  conftrued,  as  to  prejudice  an 
claims  of  the  United  States,  cr  any  particular  flatc. 

;      S  E  C  T  I  O  N   IV.  ' 

The  United  States  {hall  guarantee  to  every  flate  in  th 
union,  a  republican  form  of  government  ;  and  {Hill  prott 


r  coNrsri  ranoN*  of  mz  u.vited  states. 


J7 


giftature,  or  of  the  the  executive  (when  the  legiflature  can- 
not be  con  >'cncd)  againft  domeftic  violence. 

ARTICLE  V. 
The  Congrefs.  whenever  two-thirds  of  both  houfes  fhall 
deem  it  neceffary,  fhall  propolc  amendments  to  this  confti- 
tution,  or,  on  tlie  application  of  the  legiflaturcs  of  two- 
thirds  of  the  levcral  dates,  fhall  call  a  convention  for  pro- 
pofing  amendments,  which,  in  either  cafe  fhall  be  valid  to 
all  intents  and  purpofes,  as  part  of  this  conflitution,  when 
ratified  by  the  legiflaturcs  of  three-fourths  of  the  feveral 
flutes,  or  by  conventions  in  three-fourths  thereof,  as  the  one 
or  the  other  mode  of  ratification  mav  be  propofed  by  the 
Congrefs  ;  provided  that  no  amendment,  which  may  be 
made  prior  to  the  year  one  thoufand  eight  hundred  and 
eight,  fhall  in  any  manner  affeft  the  fit  ft  and  fourth  claufes  in 
the  ninth  feci  ion  of  the  firft  article  ;  and  that  no  ftate,  with- 
out its  conlcnt,  fhall  be  deprived  of  its  equal  luffrage  in  the 
Senate. 

ARTICLE  VI. 

1.  All  debts  contracted,  and  engagements  entered  into  be- 
fore the  adoption  of  this  conflitution,  fhall  be  as  valid 
againft.  the  Ignited  States,  under  this  conflitution,  as  under 
the  confederation. 

2.  This  conflitution,  and  the  laws  of  the  United  States 
wlrich  fhall  be  made  in  purfuance  thereof,  and  all  treaties 
made,  or  which  fhall  be  made,  under  the  authority  of  the 
United  States,  fhall  he  the  fupreme  law  of  the  land  :  and 
the  judges,  in  every  flate,  fhall  be  bound  thereby,  any  thing 
in  the  conflitution  or  laws  of  any  flate  to  the  contrary  not- 
■ft'ithflanding. 

3.  The  Senators  and  Representatives  before  mentioned, 
and  tlie  members  of  the  flate  legiflatures,  and  all  executive 
and  judicial  officers,  both  of  the  United  States  and  of  the 
feveral  ftates  fhall  be  hound,  by  oath  or  affirmation  to  fup- 
pori  this  conflitution  ;  but  no  religious  tcfl  fhall  ever  be  re- 
quired as  a  qualification  to  any  office  of  public  truft  under 
the  United  States. 

ARTICLE  VII. 
The  ratification  of  the  conventions  of  nine  flates  fhall  be 
fufficient  for  the  eflablifhment  of  this  conflitution  between 
the  ftates  fo  ratifying  the  lame. 

Done  in  Convention,  by  the  unanimous  confent  of  the 
ftates  prefem,  the  feventecnth  day  of  September,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thoufand  feven  hundred  and  eight) - 
feven,  and  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States  of 
America  the  twelfth.  In  witnefs  whereof  we  have  here- 
uiito  fubferibed  oui  names. 

GEORGE  WASHINGTON, 
Prcfident  and  Deputy  from  VirrJn  t- 


CON'STITi: 


ITED  STATES. 


Neui-llamftjhirt.  John  L<ingdon,  Nicholas  GiltTun,  Afl  • 
Majfat huJtUt.  Nathaniel  G  or  ham,  Rufus  King. 
Connttlicu!.  William  S.  Johniinn,  Roger  She r  man. 
Xew-York.  Alexander  Hamilton. 

A'e&i-  Jerfeyt  William  Livingfton,   David  Brc;.rley,  Win. 
Tatcrlon,  Jonathan  Dayton. 

Pennfyluania.  Benjamin  Pi  anklin,  Thomas  Mifflin,  Robett 
Mouis,  George  Clymcr,  Thomas  Pitzlimons,  J'i'cd  Iuger- 
foll,  James  Wilfon,  Gouvcrncur  Morris. 

Delaware.   George  Reed,  Gunning  Bedford,  jun.  John 
DickinCon,  Richard  Baffct,  Jacob  Broom. 

Maryland.  James  M'Heniy,  Daniel  of  St.  Thomas  Jenifer, 
Daniel  Carrol. 

Virginia.  John  Blair,  James  Maddifon,  jun. 

Kerth-Carolina.  William  Blount,  Richard  Dobbs  Spaight, 
Hugh  Williamfon. 

South-Carolina.  John  Rutlcdge,    Charles  C.  I'inckney, 
Charles  Pinckncy,  Pierce  Butler. 

Cc^rgia.  William  Pew,  Abraham  Baldwin. 
'  -Attejl. 

William  Jac&son,  Sec. 

,  CONGRESS  of  TUa  UNITED  STATES, 
Begun  and  held  al  the  city  of  New-York,  on  "Wedncfdar, 
the  fourth  of  March,  one  thoul'and  feven  hundred  and 
cighty-ninc. 

The  conventions  of  a  number  cf  flatcs,  having,  at  the  time 
of  their  adopting  the  conflitution,  cxprcired  a  defnc,  in 
order  to  prevent  mifconftruciion  or  abule  of  its  powers, 
that  further  declaratory  and  reflriclivc  cb.v.fes  fhould  be 
added— and  as  extending  the  ground  of  public  confidence 
in  the  government  will  bod  in  lure  the  beneficent  ends  of 
its  inflitution— 

]E^.ESOLVED,  by  the  Senate  and  Houfe  of  Reprefcnta- | 
tivesof  the  United  Slates  cf  America,  in  Congrcfs  affemblcc!, 
two-thirds  of  both  Hoi.fes,  concurring,  that  the  following 
articles  be  propoled  to  the  legiflaturcs  of  the  fever;;!  dates,  ] 
as  amendments  to  the  confliiution  of  the  United  States,  all, 
or  any  of  which  articles,  when -ratified  by  three-fourths  of j 
thefaid  legiflaturcs,  to  be  valid,  to  all  intents  and  purpoics 
i-s  part  of  the  faid  conflitution,  viz. 

ARTICLES,  in  addition  to  an  amendment  of  th:  confti"  j 
lution  of  the  United  States  of  America,  propoleJ  b/1 
Congrefs,  and  ratified  by  the  legiflatuies  of  the  feveritl 
flatcs,  purfuant  to  t"he  fifth  article  of  the  original  con-1 
flitution.  .  ■ 

I.  After  the  fir.1  enumeration,  required  by  the  hi  ll  a<'ticl«4 


CONSTITUTION"  GV  THfc  UN' iTLD  3  TA  ILS 


even'  thirty  thbufand,  until  the. number  flnll  amjutit  to 
om»  hundred  ;  after  which,  the  proportion  JhaU  be  lb  regu- 
lated by  Congrcfs,  that  there  fhill  not  be  lels  ihin  one  huu» 
died  representatives — nor  lefs  than  one  representative  to 
every  forty  thouland  perfons — -until  the  number  of  repre- 
sentatives flial  1  amount  to  two  hundred  ;  after  which  the 
proportion  Shall  be  fo  regulated  by  CongrcSs,  that  there  Shall 
not  be  lefs  than  two  hundred  representatives,  nor  more  than 
one  rcprcfentative  for  every  fifty  thouland  perfons. 

IT.  No  law,  varying  the  compeni'ation  Fort  he  Services  of 
the  Senators  and  Repre-entati  ves,  (hall  take  effect.,  until  an 
election  of  representatives  (hall  have  intervened.  ' 

III.  Congrels  Shall  make  no  law  reSpefting  an  eftabliShmcrit 
of  religion,  or  prohibiting  the  free  exercife  thereof,  or 
abridging  the  freedom  of  Speech,  or  of  the  prefs  ;  or  the 
right  of  the  people  peaceably  to  afteuible,  and  to  petition  the 
govern'nent  for  a  redrefs  of  grievances. 

IV.  A  well  regulated  militia  being  neceSfary  to  the  Secu- 
rity of  a  free  (late,  the  ri^ht  of  the  people  to  keep  and  bear 
arms,  Shall  not  be  inSringcd. 

V.  No  Soldier  Ihall  in  time  of  peace,  be  quartered  in  any 
houSe,  without  the  content  of  the  owner  ;  nor  in  time  of 
War,  but  in  a  manner  to  be  prefcribed  by  law,  '*v 

VI.  The  right  of  the  people  to  be  Secure  tn  their  perfons, 
houScs,  papers,  and  effect-;,  againft  unrcal'onable  Searches  and 
Seizures,  Shall  not  be  violated  :  and  no  warrants  Shall  ilfue, 
but  upon  probable  caufe,  Supported  by  oath  or  affirmation — 
and  particularly  describing  t  lie  place  to  be  Searched,  and  the 
pcrlon-s  or  things  to  be  Seized.  4<      <  rWr-i 

VII.  No  perSon  fiiali  be  held  to  anfvver  for  a  capital  or 
otherwife  infamous  crime,  unlets  on  a  prel.-nt tnent  or  in- 
dictment by  a  grand  jury,  except  in  cafes  arinng  in  the  land 
or  naval  forces,  or  in  the  militia,  when  in  aftual  .Service, 'in 
time  oS  war-,  or  public  danger  :  nor  'hall  any  per  Ton  be  lub- 
jeet.  for  the  fame  offence  to  be'twicc  put  in  jeopardy  of  life  or 
limb  :  ncrr  fhall  be  compelled  in  any  crimiu;  1  cale,  to  be  a 
witncls  againft  himlelf  ;  nor  be  deprived  of  life,  hbertv,  or 
property,  without  due  procefs  of  law  ;  nor  Snail  private 
property  be  taken  lor  public  uSe  without  juft  competi- 
tion, i 

VIII.  In  all  criminal  proSccut 'tons,  the  accuSed  Shall  en- 
j*6y  the  right  to  a  Speedy  and  public  trial,  by  an  impartial 
jury,  oS  the  Slate  and  di ft  rift,  wherein  the  crime  Shell  have 
been  committed  ;  which  diftrift  fhall  have  been  previoully 
alccrtasned  by  law  ;  and  to  be  informed  of  the  nature  and 
caufe  of  theaccufation ;  to  be  confronted  with  the  witneffes 
ngain!.t  him  .-tohuvfe  corrvudfory  procels  for  obtaining  wit- 
nelfes  in  his  favour  ;  and  to  have  the  alliftar.ee  of  couulcl 


CON3TITLTriQS  OK  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


IX.  In  futts-at  common  law,  where  the  value  in  contro- 
verfy,  fliall  exceed  20  dollars,  the  right  of  trial  by  jury,  fhall 
be  preferred  :  and  no  fa£t  tried  by  jury,  fhall  he  oilicrwile 
re-examined  in  any  court  of  the  United  States,  than  accord- 
ing  to  the  rules  of  commrm  law. 

X.  Kxceffi  vc  bail  (hall  not  be  required  ;  nor  exceffive 
fines  impeded  ;  nor  cruel  and  unufual  putiifhments  inflifted. 

XI.  The  enumeration,  in  the  conftitution,  of  certain 
rights,  fhall  no;  bo  conftrucd  to  deny  \>r  dilparage  others 
retained  bv  the  people. 

XII.  The  powers  not  delegated  to  the  United  States  by 
the  conftitution,  nor  prohibited  by  it  to  the. Stales,  are  re- 
ferved  to  the  States  re  I  petti  vely.  or  to  the  people. 

.  Yr  bui  kick  A.  Muhm'.ikc. 
Speaker  tif  the  Houie  of  Representatives, 
John  Adams,  Vice-Prcfidcnt  of  the  United  St.  tcs,  and 
Prcfidcnt  of  the  Senate. 
Atteft.  Jolls  BtCKLEY,  Clerk  of  the  Houfc 

of  Reprcfcntati  vcs. 
Samuel  A.  Otis,  Secretary  of  the  Senate. 
N.  R.  By  the  returns  made  into  the  Secretary  of  State's 
office,  it  appeals,  that  the  full  article  of  ihc  above  amend- 
ments IS  agreed  tol.yotily  feven  State* — the  lecond  by  only 
four — and  tiiercfore  thefe  are  not  obligatory.  All  the  re- 
mainder, having  been  ratified  by  nine  States,  arc  of  rcjtiaj 
obligation  with  the  confluulion  itlelf. 

Augujl  12,  1791. 

Jiatiftatioti  of  the  Federal  Conjlitvtion  by  the  United  States. 
By  Delaware. 
Bv  I'ennfvl vania. 
By  New-  krfcy. 
By  Georgia. 
By  Connt Cticut. 
By  Ma-lfachufct.is. 
By  Maryland.  -     ,  jiv. 

By  South-Carolina. 
By  New-Hampftiire. 
By  Virginia. 
By  Ncw-Yoik. 
By  North-Carolina. 
By  Rhode-IOand. 
Vermont  received  into  the  Union. 
Kentucky  do. 


1787 

Dec. 

3- 

•3- 
*9> 

j;33 

Jan. 

'•  *• 

9- 

Feb. 

f>. 

April 

28. 

May 

23- 

June 

21  . 

25- 

l«iy 

26. 

«78° 

Nov. 

27. 

179c 

June 

1792 

June 

THE  CONSTITUTION 

Of  the  State  of  New-York. 

fa  Convention  cf  tke  Reprrfentatives  of  the  State  of  Kau-y'ork: 

King-don,  2oth  April,  1777. 

WH  I'.R  EAS  the  many  tyiannical  and  oppieffive  uf  arpations 
ol  the  king  and  pailiamcnt  of  Great-Britain,  on  the 
lights  and  liberties  of  the  people  of  the  American  colonic?,  had 
rcdi.ccd  them  to  the  neceffuy  of  introducing  a  government  by 
congreffes  and  committees,  as  tempomy  expedients,  and  to 
ex. ft  no  longer  than  the  grievances  ot  the  people  fuould  remain 
Without  It  4rHiB!T>\    ljjl-      '•4v»MI  «    r, . 

And  Whereas  the  congrefs  of  the  colony  of  New-Yoik,  did, 
on  the  thirty  fir  it  day  of  May,  now  lad  pud,  re!clve  as  fol- 

.  low?,  viz.  xflfat&iw-: ' i •  JSaA  , *ji> y  • 
.  "Wlereas  the  preTcnt  government  of  this  colony,  by  con- 
grefs and  committees,  was  inilitutcd  while  the  Jonncr  govern- 
ment under  ihc  crown  of  Great-Britain,  cxiited  in  full  force  ; 
and  was  eftabhfhed  for  the  fole  purpole  of  oppofmg  the  ulurpa- 
ticn  of  the  Btiufh  parliament,  and  was  intended  to  expire  on  a 
reconciliation  with  Great-Britain,  which  it  was  then  apprehend- 
ed would  loon  take  place,  but  is  now  confidered  as  lcmote  and 
uncertain.  ,-  •    ..;}'t\\;-  '  t'%,  Al£*\Vr  >•■; 

M  And  Whereas  many  and  great  inconveniences  attend  tire 
faid  mode  of  government  by  congrefs  and  committee?,  as  of 
necelhiy,  in  many  inltances,  lcgiflativc,  judicial  and  executive 
powers  have  been  veiled  therein,  efpccially  iince  the  dilfolu- 
t'on  of  .the  former  government,  by  the  abdication  of  the  late 
governor,  and  the  exclulion  of  this  colony  from  the  protection 
ot  the  king  of  Great-Britain. 

"  And  Whereas  the  continental  congrefs  did  rcfolve  as  fol- 
lowctb,  to  wit  : 

"  Whereas  his  Britannic  Majefly,  in  conjunction  with  the 
lords  and  commons  of  Great-Britain,  has,  by  a  l<tte  act.  of  par- 
liament, excluded  the  inhabitants  of  theie  united  colonies  from 
the  protection  of  his  crown.  And  whereas  no  anlwers  what- 
ever, to  tiic  humble  petition  of  the  colonies  for  redrels  of 
glicvanccs  and  reconciliation  with  Great-Britain,  has  been,  or  is 
likely  to  be  given,  but  the  whole  foice  of  that  kingdom,  aided 
by  fou'.ign  mercenaries,  is  to  be  excited  hit  the  doUrucuon  of  ti  c 
good  people, of  llielc  colonic.  And  whereas  it  appears  ablo- 
lulcly  irreconcilable  to  icalon  and  good  coufcicnce,  for  the  pco- 
oi  ihcic  coioni.--,  now  ;o  tike  t!ie  oaihs  and  alhrinations  nc- 


4»         CONSTITUTION'  OF  THE  STATE  OF  NEW-YORK 


celLry  for  the  luppoit  of  any  govern  incut  under  the  crown  of 
Grcat-Bi  itain  ;  and  it  is  ncccfliiry  t hat  the  excrcile  of  every  kind 
of  authority  under  the  faid  crown,  fhould  be  totally  fupprclfcd, 
and  all  the  powers  of  government  exerted  under  the  authority 
of  the  people  of  the  colonies,  for  the  prclcrvaiion  of  interna] 
pc.icc,  vutuc  and  gpod  erdei.  as  well  as  for  the  defence  of  our 
lives,  libcities.  and  properties,  ngair.fl  the  hollile  iiivalioris  and 
cruel  depredations  of  our  enemies.  There  foic, 

•*  Relolvcd,  Th.it  it  be  recommended  io  the  refpeftive  affem- 
blics  and  conventions  of  the  united  colonies,  where  no  jjovern- 
mcnt  iufheiem  to  the  exigences  of  their  affairs  has  been  hither- 
to cflablifncd,  to  adopt  fucli  government  as  (hail,  in  the  opinion 
of  the  repi denial ives  pf  the  people,  bell  conduce  to  the  happi- 
nefs  and  lately  of  (heir  confti.ucnts  in  particular,  and  America 
in  gene:. J. 

"  And  whereas  doubts  have  arifen.  whether  thin  congrefs  are 
inverted  with  lufficient  power  and  authority  to  deliberate  and 
determine. on  (a  important  a  fubjefi  a*  the  ncceffityof  erecting 
;  V.d  conflituiing  a  new  form  of  government  and  internal  police, 
lj>  the  cxcluhon  of  all  feteign  juiifclitStion,  dominion  and  con- 
froul  whatever.  And  whcicas  it  appertains  of  right  folely  to  the 
people  of  this  colony  to  determine  the  faid  doubts  :  Therefore, 

"  Rcfolved,  That  it  be  iccomrncnded  to  the  electors  in  the 
fevcral  counties  in  this  colony,  by  election,  in  the  manner  and 
form  prefcribed  for  the  election  of  the  prefent  Congrefs,  cither 
to  authorifc  (in  addition  to  the  powers  vefted  in  this  congrefs) 
their  prefent  deputies,  or  otheis  in  the  ftcad  of  their  prefent  de- 
puties, or  cither  of  them,  to  take  into  confederation  the  neceffity 
and  piopricty  of  inflituting  fuch  new  government  as  in  and  by 
the  laid  refolution  of  the  continental  congrefs  is  -defcribed  and 
recommended  :  And  if  the  majority  of  the  counties,  by  their 
deputies  in  provincial  congrefs,  fhall  be  of  opinion  that  fuch  new 
government  ought  to  be  inflituted  and  efbblifhcd,  then  toinfli- 
tutc  and  eftablifh  fuch  a  government  as  they  fhall  deem  belt  cal- 
culated to  fecure  the  rights,  liberties,  and  happinefs  of  the  good 
people  of  this  colony  ;  and  to  continue  in  force  until  a  future 
peace  with  Gi eat- Britain  fhall  render  the  lame  unneccfTiry.  And, 

"  Rcfolved,  That  the  faid  elections  in  the  fevcral  counties, 
ought  to  be  had  on  fucrr  day,  and  at  fuch  place  or  places,  as  by 
the  commiitee  of  each  county  respectively  lhall  be  determined. 
And  it  is  recommended  to  the  faid  committees,  to  fix  luch  early 
days  far  the  faiV  elections,  as  that  all  the  deputies  to  be  elected, 
have  fufHcicnt  time  to  repair  to  the  city  of  Ncw-Yoik  by  the 
lecond  Monday  in  July  next  ;  on  which  day  all  the  faid  deputies 
ought  punctually  to  give  their  attendance. 

,;  Ann  When  as  the  object  of  the  aforegoing  refolutions  is 
of  the  Utnioft  importance  to  the  good  people  of  this  colony. 


co\:  irnn  iox  of  the  state  of  nfav-york. 


'•  Refulvcd,  That  it  be.  and  it  is  hereby  carncflly  recommend- 
ed to  the  committees,  free-holders,  and  other  electors  in  the 
different  counties  in  this  colony,  diligently  to  cany  the  lame 
into  execution." 

And  Whereas  the  good  piroplc  of  the  (aid  colony,  in  purfu- 
ance  of  the  (aid  refolution.  and  reponng  fpecial  truft  and  confi- 
dence in  the  members  of  litis  convention,  have  appointed,  au- 
thorifed  and  empowered  them  fof  the  purpofes,  and  in  the 
manner  and  with  the  dowers  in  and  by  the  laid  rcftilve  fpecified, 
declared  and  mentioned. 

And  Whereas  t lie  delegates  to  the  United  American  State?, 
in  general  congrefs  convened,  did  on  the  fourth  d ay  of  J nl v  now 
lad  paft,  folcmnly  publifh  and  declare,  in  the  words  following,  viz. 

"  When  in  the  coiirfc  of  human  events,  it  becomes  iieceffnry 
for  one  people  to  diffolve  the  political  bands  which  have  Con- 
neft:d  then',  with  another,  and  to  affurae  among  the  powers  of 
the  earth,  (lie  fcparate  and  equal  ftation  to  which  flic  law,  of 
nature,  and  of  nature's  God  intitle  the;n.  a  decent  refpeft  to 
t lie  opinions  of  mankind  requires  that  t hey  fhould  declare  the 
cattle*  which  impel  them  to  the  reparation. 

W  We  hold  liiei'c  tniliis  to  be  felf-cvidcnt,  that  all  men  a  e 
crratcdcqual,  that  they  are  endowed  by  their  creator  with  ccit.  n 
unalienable  tights  ;  that  among  theic  are,  life,  liberty,  and  iiio 
pui  luit  of  happtnels. — That  to  lecure  thele  right.'-,  governments 
arc  inllitutcd  among  men.  deriving  their  juit  powers  from  the 
confetit  of  the  governed  ;  that  whenever  any  foim  of  government 
becomes  defti'uftiye  of  thele  ends,  it  is  the  right  of  the  people 
to  alter  or  to  abolifh  it,  and  to  inflitute  new  government,  laving 
its  foundation  on  fifth  principles^  and  organizing  its  powers  in 
fuch  form,  as  to  them  fliail  (ej;n  raoft  likt:ly  to  effect  their  lafcy 
and  happincl's.  Prudence  indeed  will  dictate,  that  governments 
Jong  cftabltflicd  Ihotild  not  be  changed  for  light  and  trauiiei.t 
caules,  and  accordingly  all  experience  hath  fiievvn,  that  man- 
kind arc  more  dilpoied  totuffcr,  while  evils  are  lulterablc.  tl.  n 
to  right  thcmlelvcs  by  abolilhing  the  forms  to  which  they  ar»: 
acculloined.  But  when  a  long  train  of  abulcs  and  ufui  pntions 
purluing  invariably  the  lame  objeel.  evinces-  a  dehgn  to  reduce 
thci  under  ablolutc  dclpotilm,  it  is  their  righr,  it  is  their  duiv, 
to  tlnow  off  inch  government,  and  to  provide  new  guard's  for 
their  future  leeuiity.  Snth  has  been  the  patient  luncrance  of 
thele  colonies  ;  anjcl  fuch  is  now  the  neccjliiy  which  confhains 
them  to  alter  their  Eoffncr  fyflcm  of  government,  'l'he  hifiory 
of  the  prelent  king  6f  (hc.it -Britain  is  a  hifloiy  of  repeated  in- 
juries and  uiurpations.  all  having  in  direct  object,  the  cfiablilh- 
mcitt  of  an  abiolute  tyranny  over  thele  States.  To  prove  l.his, 
let  facls  be  fubmitted  to  a  candid  World. 

"  He  has  lcfuled  his  affent  to  Lws,  the  moil  wlu  1.  Ionic  a  id 
BCCeffaty  for  the  public  good. 


8  j        CONSTITUTION  OK  THE  STATE  Or  NEW-YORK. 

•'  lie  has  forbidden  his  governors  to  pafs  laws  of  immediate 
£ nfl  piefTnig  importance,  unlels  lulperided  in  their  operation  till 
his  alfeiil  fhould  be  obtained  ;  and  when  lb  fulpenrhd,  he  has 
utterly  neglected  to  attend  to  them. 

."  He  lias  re fi i fed  lo  pals  other  laws  for  the  accommodation  of 
large  liilliift*  of  people,  unlefs  thole  people  would  relincjuifh 
Die  right  of  representation  in  the  Icgiflature  ;  a  right  inclinable 
U-  'hem.  and  I'oimidable  to  tyrants  onl  /.         ■  .  L 

I  "<•  ha<  balled  together  legiflative  bodies  at  places  unufu-1, 
uncomfortable,  and  d;  (Lint  from  the  depofitory  of  their  public 
n  r.oiils.  foi  :!  c  lolc  pinpolc  of  fatiguing  them  into  compliance 
V.  it'll  liis  nic.ilurcSi  '  ^.-r  • 

'•  I!c  l  :.s  difToivcd  representative  houfes  repeatedly,  f<  r  op- 
p<  fing  with  manly, lirmncls  bi>  iyvafions  on  the  tights  of  the 

,  i:  He*  has  refilled  for  a  ban?  time,  after  fuch  difToluiion.s,  lo 
crude  others  job'.'  tlcclcd  ;  -whereby  the  Icg'lhiive  powers,  ui- 
<  i|  .-l  ie  of,  annihilation,,  have  u  lurnrd  to  the  people  at'  large,  for 
ti.i  ir  cxcicile  ;  the  State  remaining  in  the  mean  time  expo'ed 
to  all  the  dangcis  of  invalion  from  without,  (ffc  con  vol  lions  wnihin, 

"  lie  ).;••  c ,  .',  -.ivou-.cd  to  prevent  (lie 'population  "1  tick 
StaTo  ;  foi  t'  at  nwipole  obttn;^  ng  tTie  1  iws  for. luturaWzatioii 
of  lore  ^nei>  -.  jefuhng  to  j:als  nil.rrs  lo  encouvage  their  migj::- 
t ion's  hither,  and  tailing  the  conditions  of  pew  applanations 
pf  lands,  1 '  Ct]lR< •-' 

He  has  obflruttcd  the  admwiiftration  of  juflice.  by  tejuung 
liis  nffent  to  laws  for  eft.iblifhing  judicial}- powers. 

';  He  has  made  judges  dependent  on  bis  Will  alone,  for  the 
fume  of  their  offices,  and  the  amount  ajiu  payment  of  their 

falahes.  yt"'«  ii  Lj  '  v  tw  tf*'f "f \*W\3*3wMFr? 

'•  lie  has  erected  ?.  muliitude  of  new  'fHccs,  and  foot  hitlicr 

fwarms  of  dmccis  to  harrals  our  people,  and  eat  out  their  lui,r 

ftmcc. 

••  lie  lias  Kept  ?mor\g  us,  in  times  of  peace,  Handing  armies, 
wiliioul  ibe  Jfqiifaiit  ot  our  lcgifhr.ires.    ^   ,  »'.•»„„ 

"  lie  iias  affected  to  render  the  military  independent  of,  arid 
fuperior  to,  tho  civil  power. 

•  Hi  has  combined  with  oih«rs  to  fuhject  us  to  a  jurifdicfion 
foreign  to  our  conftitution,  and  unacknowledged  b\  our  laws  ; 
fciving  bis  alfent  to  their  acts  of  pretended  iegifl  it  ion. 
"  For  quartering  laige  bodies  of  tioops  among  us  ; 
,  *',T<f»r  proli'ttine  them,  by  a  mock  trial,  from  punifhment  fof 
-  ■• -v  i.-.ui  deii  which  they  ihotild  commit,  on  the  inhabitant >  of 
C  ''jo  %afcij  ji  jV     'j-j  jj^vtTJo 

•:  For  cutting  tiff  our  trade  with  all  puts  of  the  world. 

<:  For  ilnpoinig  taxes  on  us  without  our  confent  : 

"  For  depriving  us  in  many  ca!e;,  of  the.  benefits  of  trial  by 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  'NEW-YORK.  25 


"  For  tranfporting  us  beyond  Teas  to  be  tried  for  pretended 
offences  ; 

t:  For  abolifhing  the  free  fyfterri  of  Englifh  laws  in  a  neigh- 
bouring province,  eftablifhing  therein  an  arbitrary  government, 
and  enlarging  its  boundaries,  io  as  to  render  it  at  once  an  exam- 
ple and  fit  inurument  for  introducing  the  fame  ablolute  rule  into 
thefe  colonies  : 

"  For  taking  away  our  charters,  abolifhing  our  mo  ft  valuable 
laws,  and  altering  fundamentally  the  forms  of  our  governments  : 

•:  For  fufpending  our  own  legiflatures,  and  declaring  them- 
felvcs  inverted  with  power  to  legiflate  for  us  in  all  cafes  what- 
foevcr. 

"  He  has  abdicated  government  here,  by  declaring  us  out  of 
his  protection,  and  waging  war  again  ft  us. 

<;  He  has  plundered  our  leas,  ravaged  our  coafts,  burnt  our 
towns,  and  dcltroyed  the  lives  of  our  people. 

;i  He  is,  at  this  time,  tranfporting  large  armies  of  foreign  mer- 
cenaries to  complete  the  works  of  death,  defolation  and  tyranny, 
already  begun  with  circumflances  of  cruelty  and  perfidy,  fcarcely 
parrallelcd  in  the  molt  barbarous  ages,  and  totally  unworthy 
the  head  of  a  civilized  nation. 

"  He  has  conflraincd  our  fellow  citizens,  taken  Captive  on 
the  high  leas,  to  bear  arms  againfl  their  country,  to  become  the 
executioners  of  their  friends  and  brethren,  or  to  fall  themfclves 
by  their  hands. 

li  He  has  excited  domeftic  infurreftions  among  us,  and  has 
endeavoured  to  bring  on  the  inhabitants  of  our  frontiers  the 
inercilels  Indian  favas.es,  whole  known  rule  of  warfare  is  an  un- 
difhnguifhing  deftruftion  of  all  ages,  fexes  and  conditions. 

44  In  every  flagc  of  thele  opprcluons,  we  have  petitioned  for 
lcdrefs  in  the  jnoft  humble  terms  :  our  repeated  petition  have 
been  anl'wercd  only  by  repeated  injury.  A  prince  whole  character 
is  thus  marked  by  every  aft  which  may  define  a  tyrant,  is  unfit  to 
be  the  ruler  of  a  free  people. 

"  Nor  have  wc  been  wanting  in  attentions  to  our  Britifh. 
brcthern.    Wc  have  warned  them  from  time  to  time  of  attempts 
By  their  legiflaturc  to  extend  an  unwarrantable  jurifdiftion  over 
us.    We  have  reminded  them  of  the  circumflances  of  our  emi- 
gration and  fctllcment  here.   We  have  appealed  to  their  native 
juftice  and  magnanimity,  and  wc  have  conjured  them  by  the  tics 
of  our  common  kindred,  to  dilavow  thclc  ufurpations,  which 
would  inevitably  interrupt  our  connection  and  corrcfpondencc. 
They  too  have  been  deaf  to  the  voice  of  juftice  :;nd  of  con- 
fanguinity.    Wc  muft  therefore  acquiefee    in  the  nccelTuy 
w':ich  denounces  our  leparation,  and  hold  them  as  we  hold  the 
reft,  of  mankind,  enemies  in  war;  in  peace,  friends. 

i;  We,  therefore,  the  Rcprcfentativcs  of  the  United  States  of 

sh  'ji*   ra*  s,^3^:.*W&ha 


26    CONSTITUTION  oV  THE  STATE  OF  NEW.\ORK 


America,  in  general  congrefs  affcmbled,  appealing  to  the  Su-  i 
prcinc  Judge  of  the  world,  for  the  rectitude  of  our  intention* 
do,  in  the  name,  and  by  the  authority  of  the  good  people  of 
thefc  colonies,  folcmnly  publiUi  and  declare,  That  thclc  united  ' 
colonies  arc,  and  of  right. ought  to  be,  FREE  AND  IN- 
DEPENDENT STATES;  that  they  arc  abfolved  from  all  allegi- 
ance to  the  Britilh  crown,  and  that  all  political  connection 
between  them  and  the  fbtc  of  Great-Britain,  is,  and  ought  to  be 
totally  diffolvcd  ;  and  that  as  free  and  independent  Mates,  they 
have  full  power  to  levy  war,  conclude  peace,  contract  alliances, 
cftablifh  commerce,  and  to  do  all  other  acts  and  things  which 
independent  ftatcs  may  of  right  do.  And  for  the  lupport  of  this 
declaration,  with  a  firm  reliance  on  the  protection  of  Divine 
Providence,  we  mutually  pledge  to  each  other,  our  lives,  our 
fortunes,  and  our  lacrcd  honour. 

And  Whereas  this  convention  having  taken  this  declaration 
into  their  moft  fcrious  confederation,  did,  on  the  ninth  day  of 
July  lad  pad,  unanimoufly  rclolvc,  That  the  rcalons  afhgncd 
by  the  continental  congrefs,  for  declaring  the  united  colonics 
free  and  independent  States,  are  cogent  and  conclufive  :  And 
that  while  we  lament  the  cruel  ncccffity  which  has  rendered 
that  mcafure  unavoidable,  we  approve  the  lame,  and  will,  at  the 
rilquc  of  our  lives  and  fortunes,  join  with  the  other  colonics  in 
iupporting  it. 

By  virtue  of  which  fcvcral  acts,  declarations  and  proceedings, 
mentioned  and  contained  in  the  afore-rccitcd  rciolves  or  relo- 
lutions  of  the  general  congrefs  of  the  United  American  States, 
and  of  the  congrcflcs  or  conventions  of  this  State,  all  powei 
whatever  therein  hath  reverted  to  the  people  thereof,  and  this 
convention  hath  by  their  luffrages  and  ficc  choice  been  appoint- 
ed, and  among  other  things  authoiiled  to  inftiture  and  cftablifh 
luch  a  government,  as  they  fhall  deem  beft  calculated  to  fecure 
the  rights  and  liberties  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  molt 
conducive  of  the  happinefs  and  fafety  of  then  conftrtucats  in 
particular,  and  of  America  in  general. 

I.  THIS  convention,  therefotc,  in  the  name  and  by  the 
.authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  Hate,  doth  ordain,  deter- 
mine, and  declare,  that  no  authority  fhall,  on  any  pretence 
whatever,  be  cxcrcifcd  over  the  people  or  members  of  this 
ftate,  but  fuch  as  (hall  be  derived  from  and  granted  by  them. 

II.  This  Convention  doth  further,  in  the  name  and  by 
the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  ftate,  ordain,  de- 
termine, and  declare,  that  the  fupreme  legiflative  power, 
within  this  ftate,  fhall  be  vefted  in  two  lcparatc  and  diC 
tinct  bodies  of  men — the  one  to  be  called,  theaffembly  of 
the  ftate  of  New-York — the  other  to  be  called,  the  lenatc 
of  the  ftate  of  New-Yoik— who  together  fhall  form  the 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  NEW-YORK.  2J 

fegiflat^re,  and  meet  once  at  leafl.  in  every  year;  for  the 
difpatch  of  bufinefs. 

III.  And  whereas'laws,   inconfillent  with  the  fpirit  of 
this  com'f  itufion,  or  with  the  public  good,  may  be  haftily 
and  unadviledly  pa  fled  ;  be  it  ordained,  that  the  governor 
for  the  time  being,  the  chancellor,  and  the  judges  of  the 
fuprcme  court--or  any  two  of  them,  together  with  the 
governor— fhall  be,  and  hereby  are,  conflituted  a  council, 
to  revile  all  bills  about  to  be  palled  into  laws  by  the  lcgif- 
hfrfare    and  for  that  purpofe  fhall  affcmble  themlelves,  from 
time  to  time,  when  the  legiflature  fhall  be  convened  :  for 
which,  neverthelefs,    they  fhall  not  re'eeive  any  falary 
or  conlideration,  under  anv  pretence  whatever.    And  that 
all  bills,  which  have  paffed  the  fenate  and  affembly,  fhall, 
before  thev  become  laws,  be  prcfented  to  the  laid  council, 
for  their  rcvifal  and  confidcraiion  ;  and  if,  upon  luch  revi- 
f-on  and  confidcra-tion,  it  flionld  appear   improper  to  the. 
fhvi  council,  or  a  majority  of   them,   that  the  laid,  bill 
ihould  become  a  law  of  this  ftate,  that  they  return  the  fame, 
together  with  their  objections  thereto  in  writing,  to  the 
fenate  or  hou4c 'of  affembly  (in  which  loevcr  the  iarne  fhall 
have  originated)  who  fhall  enter  the  objections,   fent  down 
bv  the  council,  at  large,  in  their  minutes,  and  proceed  to 
reconfider  the  faid  bill.    But  if,  after  luch  reconlideration; 
two  thirds  of  the  faid  fenate  or  houfe  of  affembly,  (half, 
notwithstanding  the  laid  objections,  agree  to  pafs  the  fame, 
it  fhall,  together  with  the  objections,  be  fent  to  the  other 
branch  of  the  legiflature,  where  it  fhall  alfo  be  re-confider- 
<  fl.  and,  if  approved  by  two  thirds  of  the  members  prefent, 
fhall  be  a  law. 

And  in  order  to  prevent  any  unecefTary  delays,  be  it 
further  ordained,  that  if  any  bill  fhall  not  be  returned  by  the 
council  within  ten  days  after  it  fhall  have  been  prelented, 
the  fame  fl-vall  be  a  law,  unlefs  the  legiflature  fhall,  by  their 
adjourment,  render  a  return  of  the  faid  bill,  within  ten 
days,  impracticable  ;  in  which  cafe,  the  bill  fhall  be  re- 
turned on  the  fir  ft  day  of  the  meeting  of  the  legiflature, 
after  the  expiration  of  the  faid  ten  days. 

IV.  TKat  the  aflerrrbly  fhall  confvfl.  of  at  leafl  feventy 
members,  to  be  annually  chol'en  in  the  feveral  counties, 
in  the  proportions  following,  viz. 

For  the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  nine. 

The  city  and  county  of  Albany,  ten, 
.The  county  of  Duchefs,  /even. 

The  county  of  Weftchefter,  fix. 

The  county  of  Ulfler,  fx. 

Tiic  county  of  Suffolk,  five. 

The  county  of  Queens,  four, . 


2$  CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  N'EW-yO 


The  county  of  Orange,  four. 
The  county  of  Kings,  two. 
The  county  of  Richmond,  tuu. 
The  county  of  Tryon,  fix. 
Tlic  county  of  Charlotte,  Jour. 
The  county  of  Cumberland,  three. 
The  county  of  Glouceftcr,  two. 
V.  That  as  foon,   after  the  expiration  of    feven  vc^rs, 
ffublequent  to  the  termination  of  the  prefent  war)  as  may 
he,  a  ctsnlus  of  the  electors  and  inhabitants  in   this  (late 
be  taken,  under  the  direction  of  the  legiilature.     And  if, 
onJuch  ccnj'us,  it  flir  11  appear,  that  in  the  number  of  r<t- 
prclentati ves  in  aflembly,   from  the  faid  counties,    is  not 
juflly  proportioned  to  the  number  of    elcfturs,  in  the  (aid 
counties  rcfpeftfully,  that  tlic  legiflaturc   do  adjud  and 
apportion  the  fame  by  that  rule.    And  further,    that  once 
in  every  (even  years,  after  the  taking  of  the  faid  firlt  cea- 
(us,  a  juft  account  of  the  clcftois,  rclident    in  each  county, 
thall  be  taken  ;  an<i  if  it  (hall  tbeieupon  appear,  that  the 
uumbcr  of  electors,  in  any  county,  fhall  have  intreafed  or 
itiminifhed  one  or  more    feventieth    parts  «f  the  whole 
number  of  electors,  which,  on  the  faid    firfl  cenfus,  fliall 
be  f  jund  in  this  Itatc,  the  number  of  rcpreientatives  for 
iuch  county  fhall  be  incrcaled  or  diminifhed  accordingly — 
that    ii.  to  fay,    one    reprefentixivc    for  every «leventieth 
part  as  aforelaid. 

And  Whereas  an  opinion  hath  long  prevailed  among  di- 
vers of  the  good  people  of  this  ftatc,  that  voting  at  elections  by 
ballot,  would  tend  more  to  ptclerve  the  liberty  and  equal  free- 
dom of  the  people,  than  voting  viva  voce.  To  the  end  there  - 
fore,  that  a  fair  experiment  be  made,  winch  of  thole  two  me- 
thods of  voting    is  to  be  prefeicd. 

Be  it  ordained,  That  as  loon  as  maybe,  after  the  termination 
of  the  prelent  war,  between  the  United  States  of  America  and 
Great-Britain,  an  act,  or  a£ts  be  palled  by  the  legiflaturc  of  this 
ftate  for  caufing  all  elections  thereafter  to  be  held  in  this  ftatc 
lor  fenators  and  rcpreientatives  in  Aflembly,  to  be  by  ballot,  and 
dire  cting  the  manner  in  which  the  lame  fhall  be  conducted.  And 
Whereas  it  is  poffiblc,  that  after  all  the  care  of  the  legiilature, 
in  framing  the  (aid  act  or  a£ts,  certain  inconveniences  and  mil- 
chiefs,  unforeseen  at  this  day,  may  be  found  to  attend  the  laid 
mode  of  electing  by  ballot  : 

It  is  further  ordained,  That  if  after  a  full  and  fair  experiment 
fhall  be  made  of  voting  by  ballot  aforefaid,  the  fame  fhall  be  found 
lcfs  conducive  to  the  lafety  or  intereft  of  the  ftatc.  than  the  me- 
thod of  voting  viva  voce,  it  fhall  be  lawful  and  conftitutional 
for  the  legiflature  to  abolifh  the  fame  :  Provided  two  thirds  of 
the  members  prefent  in  each  houfe  rcfpcftivcly  fhall  concur 


CONSTITUTION'  OF  THE  STATE  OF  NEW-YORK.  2g 
I 


therein.  And  further,  that  during  the  continuance  of  the  prc- 
lent  war,  and  until  the  legi nature  of  this  ftate  flrall  provide  for 
the  elcttion  of  fenators  and  reprcfentatives  in  aflembly  by  ballot, 
the  {"aid  elections  fhall  be  made  viva  voce.  * 

VII.  That  every  male  inhabitant  of  full  age,  who  fhall  have 
perlonally  redded  within  one  of  the  counties  of  this  ftate,  for 
fix  months  immediately  preceding  the  day  of  election,  flrall  at 
fuch  election,  be  entitled  to  vote  for  rcpreientatives  of  the  faid 
county  in  aflembly  ;  if  during  the  time  aforefaid,  he  fhall  have 
been  a  freeholder,  poflefling  a  freehold  of  the  value  of  twenty 
pounds,  within  the  faid  county,,  or  have  rented  a  tenement 
therein  of  the  yearly  value  of  forty  drillings,  and  been  rated  and 
a&ually  paid  taxes  to  this  ftate  :  Provided  always,  That  every 
perfon  who  now  is  a  freeman  of  the  city  of  Albany,  or  who  was 
made  a  freeman  of  the  city  of  New-YbrK,  on  or  before  the 
fourteenth  day  of  O&ober,  i:i  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thou- 
find  feven  hundred  and  feventy-five,  and  fhall  be  aftually  and 
ufually  refrdent  in  the  faid  cities  relpcfttvely,  fhall  be  entitled  to 
vote  for  reprcfentatives  in  atfembly  within  his  laid  pLce  of 
relidence.  4 

VIII.  That  every  elcftor,  before  he  is  admitted  to  vote,  flrall, 
if  required  by  the  returning  officer  or  either  of  the  infpeftors, 
take  an  oath,  or  if  of  the  people  called  quakers,  an  afHrmatior, 
of  allegiance  to  the  ftate. 

IX.  That  the  affembly  thus  conftituted.  fhall  chofe  their  own 
fpeaker,  be  judges  of  their  own  members,  and  enjoy  the  fame 
privileges,  and  proceed  in  doing  bufinefs,  in  like  manner  as  the 
affcmblies  of  the  colony  of  New-York  of  right  formerly  did;  and 
that  a  majority  of  the  faid  members,  fhall  from  time  to  time,  con- 
ftitute  a  houlc  to  proceed  upon  bufinefs. 

X.  And  this  convention  dotli  further,  in  the  name,  and  by 
the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  ftate,  ordain,  determine 
and  declare,  That-  the  fenate  of  the  ftate  of  New-York,  flrall 
confift  of  twenty-four  freeholders,  to  be  chofen  out  of  the  body 
of  the  freeholders,  and  that  they  be  chofen  by  the  freeholders  of 
this  ftate,  poflefled  of  freeholds  of  the  value  of  one  hundred 
pounds,  over  and  above  all  debts  charged  thereon. 

X I .  That  the  members  of  the  fenate  be  clcfted  for  four  years, 
and  immediately  after  the  fir  ft  elcftion,  they  be  divided  by  lot 
into  four  clafTes,  fix  in  each  clafs,  and  numbered  one,  two,  three, 
and  four  ;  that  the  feats  of  the  members  of  the  firft  clafs  flrall 
be  vacated  at  the  expiration  of  thc^nrft  year,  the  fecond  clafs 
the  fecond  year,  and  fo  on  continually,  to  the  end  that  the 
fourth  part  of  the  fenate,  as  nearly  as  poflible,  may  be  annually 

"  cholen. 

XII.  That  the  ele&ion  of  fenators  flrall  be  after  this  manner  ; 
that  lo  much  of  this  ftate  as  is  now  parcelled  into  counties,  be 

C  2. 


\0  CONSTITUTION  O!   THE  STATE  OF  NEW-YOR 


divided  into  four  great  diftrifts  ;  the  Southern  diftrift  to  com- 
prehend the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  Suffolk,  WefU  iv  f- 
tcr,  King's,  Queen's,  and  Richmond  counties;  the  Middle 
district  to  comprehend  the  counties  of  Duchels,  Ulltcr,  and 
Orange  ;  the  Wcftcrn  diftrict  the  city  and  county  of  Albany, 
and  Tryon  county  ;  and  the  Eaftern  diftridr.  the  counties  of 
Charlotte,  Cumberland  and  Glouceflcr.  That  the  fenators 
fhall  be  elected  by  the  freeholders  of  the  laid  diflri£ts,  qualified 
as  aforefaid,  in  the  proportions  following,  to  wit  ;  in  the  South- 
crn  dillrict,  nine  ;  in  the  Middle  diftrict,  fix  ;  in  the  W'eftera 
diftrict,  iix  •,  and  in  the  caflern  dilhict,  three.  And  be  it  or- 
dained, That  a  cenfus  fhall  be  taken  as  (bon  as  may  be,  aft<-.i 
the  expiration  of  feven  years  from  the  termination  of  the  prclcnt 
war,  under  the  direction  of  the  legiflaturc  :  And  if  on  inch 
ccnlus  it  fhall  appear,  that  the  number  of  fenators  is  not  juftly 
proportioned  to  the  fevcral  difliicts,  that  the  legiflature  adjuft 
the  proportion  as  near  as  may  be,  to  the  number  of  freeholders 
qualified  as  aforefaid,  in  each  diftrict.  That  when  the  number 
of  electors  within  any  of  the  laid  diftricts,  fhall  have  incrcafed 
one  twenty-four;h  part  of  the  whole  number  of  electors,  which 
by  the  faid  cenfus  fliall  be  found  to  be  in  this  ftate.  an  additional 
lenator  fliall  be  chofen  by  the  electors  of  fuch  difhict.  Tint  a 
majority  of  the  number  of  fenators  to  be  chofen  as  aforefaid, 
fliall  be  neceffary  to  conftitutc  a  fenate,  fufEeicnt  to  proceed 
•  ipon  bufincls,  and  th.it  the  fenate  fliall,  in  like  manner  with 
the  alfembly,  be  the  judges  of  its  own  members.  And  be  it 
ordained,  That  it  fhall  be  in  the  power  of  the  future  legiflaturcs 
of  ibis  ftatc,  for  the  convenience  and  advantage  of  the  good 
people  thereof,  to  divide  the  fame  into  luch  further  and  other 
counties  and  diflrifts,  as  fhall  to  them  appear  neccfTary. 

XIII.  And  this  convention  doth  further,  in  the  name  and 
by  the  authority  oi  the  good  people  of  this  State,  ordain,  deter- 
mine, and  declare,  that  no  member  of  this  State  fhall  be  dif- 
franchiled,  or  deprived  of  any  of  the  rights  or  privileges  fe- 
curcd  to  the  fubjects  of  this  State  by  this  Conftitution,  unlefs  . 
by  law  of  the  land,  or  the  judgment  of  his  peers. 

XIV.  That  neither  the  AiVcmbly  or   the  fenate  fhall  have 
power  to  adjurn  thcmfclvcs  for  any  longer  time  than  two  day. J, , 
without  the  mutual  confent  of  both. 

XV.  That  whenever  the  AiVcmbly  and  fenate  difagvee,  a-, 
conference  fliall  be  held  in  the  pretence  of  both,  and  be  mana- 
ged by  committees  to  be  by  them  refpectively  chofen  by  ballot. 
That  the  doors  both  of  the  fenate  and  Alfembly  fhall  at  all 
times  be  kept  open  to  all  perfons,  except  when  the  welfare  of 
the  State  flull  require  their  debates  to  be  kept  fecret.  And 
the  journals  of  all  their  proceedings  fliall  be  kept  in  the 
Huiniicr  heretofore  accuftoraed  by  the  General   Alfembly  of. 


CONSTITUTION  OK  THE  STATE  OF  NEW-YORK.  0 

the  colony  of  New-York,  anil  except  fiuch  pans  as  they  fh; 
;..»  afoEclaid,   icfpectively  determine  not  to  make  public-, 
from  clay  to  day  [i£  the  buiinels  of  the  legillature  will  pc. 
nilt)  publifhed. . 

XVI.  It  is  neverthelefs  provided,  that  the  numbrr  of  fena^. 
tors  fhall  never  exceed  one  hundred,  nor  the  number  of  the  Af- 
fembly  three  hundred  ;  butithat  whenever  the  number  of  fe- 
nators  fhall  amount  to  one  hundred,  or  of  the  Aflembly  to 
three  hundred,  then,  and,  in  fuch  cale,  the  legillatuie  fhal I 
from  time  to  time  hereafter,  by  laws  for  that  purpofc,  ap- 
portion and  diftribute  thz  (aid  one  hundred  fcn.atc>rs,  and  three 
hundred  reprelentativcs,  among  the  great  diftricts  and  counties 
of  this  State,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  their  refpefctive 
electors  ;  to  that  the  reprefentation  of  the  good  people  of  this 
State,  both  in  the  Senate  and  Affembly,  fnall  for  ever  remain 
proportionate  and  adequate. 

XVIL  And  this  convention  doth  further,  in  the  name  and 
by  the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  Slate  ;  ordain,  de- 
termine and  declare,  that  the  luprcme  executive  power  and 
authority  of  this  State  fhall  be  veiled  in  a  governor  ;  and  that 
ff.oadily,  once  in  every  three  years,  and  as  often  as  the  leat 
of  government  ftiall  become  vacant,  a  wile  and  dilcrect  free- 
holder of  this  State  fhall  be  by  ballot  elected  governor  by  the 
freeholders  of  this  State,  qualified  as  before  deioribed  to  elect 
fenators ;  which  elections  fliall  be  always  held  at  the  times  and 
places  of  chufing  reprefentatives  in  Aflembly  for  each  refpec- 
tive county;  and  that  the  pcrfon  who  hath  the  grcateft  num- 
ber of  votes  within  the  laid  State  fhall  b3  the  governor  thereof. 

XVIII.  That  the  governor  fnall  continue  in  office  three 
vcars,  and  fhall,  by  virtue  of  his  office,  be  general  and  com- 
mander in  chief  of  all  the  militia,  and  admiral  of  the  navy  of 
this  Slate  ;  that  he  fliall  have  power  to  convene  the  Affembly 
and  fenate  on  extraordinary  occalions,  to  prorogue  them  from 
time  to  time,  provided  fuch  prorogations  fliall  not  exceed  Sixty 
davs  in  the  fpace  of  any  one  year;  and  at  his  discretion  to  grant 
reprieves  and  pardons  to  perlons  convicted  of  crimes,  other  than 
trcafon  or  murder,  in  which  he  may  fufpend  the  execution  of 
the  fentence,  until  it  fhall  be  reported  to  the  legiflaturc  at  their 
fubietjuent  meeting  ;  and  they  fliall  either  pardon  or  direct  the 
execution  of  the  criminal,  or  grant  a  further  reprieve. 

XIX.  That  it  fliall  be  the  duty  of  the  governor  to  inform 
the  legifiature,  at  every  fcllions,  of  the  condition  of  the  State, 
fo  far  as  may  reipeft  his  department* ;  to  recommend  fuch  mat- 
ters to  their  conlideration  as  fliall  appear  to  him  to  concern  its 
good  government,  welfare,  and  prolperity  ;  to  cprrclpond 

the  Continental  Congrcfs  and  other  States,  to  tranlaftall  neccf- 
faiy  b  u  fine  is  with  the  officers  of  government,  civil  and  milita- 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  NEW-YORK 


/  :  and  to  tnkc  c.irc  that  the  laws  arc  faithfully  executed  to 
he  heft  of  his  ability  ;  and  to  expedite  all  fuch  mcafures  at 
miy  be  rclolvcd  upon  by  the  legiflature. 

XX.  That  a  lieutenant-governor  fhall,  at  every  elcftion  of 
a  governor,  and  as  often  as  the  lieuteuant-governor  fhall  die, 
rchgn,  or  be  removed  from  office,  be  clefted  in  the  fame  man- 
ner with  the  governor,  to  continue  in  office  until  tire  next 
elcftion  of  a  governor  ;  and  fuch  lieutenant-governor  fhall,  by 
virtue  of  his  office,  be  prefident  of  the  fenate,  and,  upon  anequal 
divifion,  have  a  cafting  voice  in  their  deciiions,  but  not  vote 
on  anv  o' her  occafion. 

And  in  cale  of  the  impeachment  of  the  governor,  or  his 
removal  from  office,  death,  rcfignation,  or  ablenoe  from  the 
State,  the  lieutenant-governor  fhall  cxciciie  all  the  power  and 
authority  appertaining  to  the  office  of  governor,  until  another 
be  cholcn,  or  the  governor  abfent  or  impeached,  fhall  return 
or  be  acquitted.  Provided,  that  wher:  the  governor  fhall,  with 
the  conlcnt  of  the  legiflature,  be  out  of  the  State,  in  time  of 
war,  at  the  head  of  a  military  force  thereof,  he  fhalt  ftill  con- 
tinue in  his  command  of  all  the  militaiv  force  of  the  State,  both- 
by  lea  and  land. 

XVXI.  That  whenever  the  government  fhall  be  adminiftercd 
by  the  lieutenant-governor,  or  he  fhall  be  unsblc  to  attend  as 
prefident  of  the  lenate,  the  fenators  fhall  have  power  to  cleft 
one  of  their  own  members  to  thr  office  of  prelidcnt  of  the 
l.-natc,  which  he  fhall  excrciie  pro  hac  vice.  And  if,  during 
fjch  vjcancy  of  the  office  of  governor,  the  lieutenant-govern  or 
fhall  be  impeached,  difplaoed,  refsgn,  die.  or  be  ablent  from 
the  State,  the  prcfider.t  of  th*  fenate  fhall  in  like  manner  as 
the-  lieutenant-governor,  adminiftcr  the  government,  until 
others  fhall  be  clefted  by  the  luffragc  of  the  people  at  the 
fuccecding  elcftion. 

XXII.  And  this  Convention  doth  further,  in  the  name  and 
by  the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  Stale,  ordain,  de- 
termine, and  dcclaic,  that  the  trcafurer  of  this  State  fhall  be 
appointed  by  aft  of-  legiflature,  to  originate  with  the 
Alfcmbly  ;-  provided,  that  he  fhall  not  be  elected  out  of  either 
branch  of  the  legiflature. 

XXIII.  That  all  officers,  other  than  thofc  who  by  this  con- 
ftitution  are  dircftcd  to  be  otherwile  appoinicd,  fhall  be  ap- 
pointed in  the  manner  following,  to  wit,  the  Affcmbly  fhall 
once  in  every  year  openly  nominate  and  appoint  one  of  the 
fenators  from  each  great  diftrift,  which  fenators  fhall  form  a 
council  for  the  appointment  of  the  faid  officers,  of  which  the 
governor  for  the  time  being,  or  the  lieutenant-governor,  or  the 
prefident  of  the  fenate,  when  they  fhall  refpeftively  adminifter 
^  e  government,  fhall  be  prefident,  and  have  a  cafting  voice 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  Ol    N  £W-> 


but  no  other  vote  ;    and  with  t!ic  advice  and  confei 
laid  council  Hull  appoint  all  the  laid  officers  ;  and  thxit 
joiity  of  the  laid  council  be  a  quorum.     And  further,  i 
laid  fenators  fliall  not  be  eligible  to  the  laid  council  for  tv. 
years  fucccfiivcly. 

XXIV.  That  all  military  officers  be  appointed  during  plca- 
fure  ;  that  all  Commifhoned  officers,  civil  and  military,  be  com- 
■liflioncd  by  the  governor;  and  that  the  chancellor,  the  judges 
of  the  fuprcmc  court,  and  fir  ft  judge  of  the  county  court  in 
every  county,  hold  their  offices  during  good  behaviour,  or  until 
they  fhall  have  rclpcctivcly  attained  the  age  of  lixty  years. 

XXV.  That  the  chancellor  and  judges  of  the  urpreme  court 
fhall  not  at  the  lame  time  hold  any  other  office,  excepting  that 
of  delegate  to  the  General  Congrcls  upon  Ipccial  occafions  ;  and 
that  the  firft  judges  of  the  county  courts  in  the  feveral  counties 
lhall  not  at  the  lame  time  hold  any  other  office,  excepting  that 
of  fenator  or  delegate  to  the  General  Congrcls.  .But  if  the 
chancellor,  or  either  of  the  laid  judges,  be  ck  oled  or  appointed 
to  any  other  office,  excepting  as  is  before  excepted,  it  mall  be 
at  his  option  in  which  to  lerve. 

XXVI.  That  fheriffs  and  coroners  be  annally  appointed  ; 
and  that  no  perlbn  fhall  be  capable  of  holding  either  of  the  laid 
offices  more  t!  an  four  years  fucceffively,  nor  the  fhcriff  of 
holding  any  other  office  at  the  fame  time. 

XXVII.  And  be  it  further  ordained,  that  the  regifter  and 
clerks  in  chancery  be  appointed  by  the  chancellor  ;  the  clerks 
of  the  fupiemc  coartby  the  judges  of  the  laid  court ;  the  clerk 
of  the  court  of  probates  by  the  judge  of  the  laid  court  ;  and 
the  regifter  and  marfhal  of  the  court  of  admiralty  by.  the  judge 
of  the  admiralty;  the  faid  maithal,  rcgiftcrs  and  cletks,  to 
continue  in  office  during  the  pleafurc  of  thole  by  whom  they 
are  to  be  appointed  as  aforclaid. 

And  all  altornics,  lolicitors  and  eounfcllors  at  WW, 
hereafter  to  be  appointed,  be  appointed  by  the  court  and  liccn- 
fed  by  the  firft  judge  of  the  court  in  which  they  fliall  relpec- 
tivcl/  plead  or  p tactile  ;  and  be  regulated  by  the  rules  and 
orders  of  the  faid  courts.  , 

XXVIII.  And  be  it  further  ordained,  that  where  by  this 
Conllitution  the  duration  of  any  office  fliall  not  be  alccrtained, 
luch  office  fliall  be  conftrucd  to  be  held  during  the  pleafurc 
of  the  council  of  appointment:  provided,  that  new  commiffions 
fhall  be  ilfucd  to  judges  of  the  county  courts  (other  than  to  the 
firft  judge)  and  tojufticcs  of  the  peace,  once  at  the  leaft  in 
every  three  years. 

XXIX.  That  town-crerks,  fupervifors,  afteflbrs,  conftabies 
and  coheftcrs,  and  all  other  officers  heretofore  eligible  by  the 
people,  fhall  always  continue  to  be  fo  eligible,  in  the  niannei 
directed  by  the  prcfent  or  future  a£ls  of  lcgiflature. 


2    CONSTITUTION  Oh  THE  SI  AT!.  Oi  NEW-YOAK. 

■  -.-  trc  ifun  :  .    and   (1  iks  <<f  tht 
f/nors,  continue  to  be  appointed  in  ;i 
md»nc  prclent  or  ful   R       .  e!  the  lcgifi.iture. 

XXX.  Th;  t  i!v!c<>t<s  to  n.  prcfent  this  State  in  the  General 
Congrcis  of  the  United  States  of  America  be  annually  appoint- 
ed, as  follows,  to  wit,  the  Senate  and  Alfeinbly  fliall  each 
openly  nominate  as  manv  pcilons  as  fliall  he  equal  to  the  whole 
number  of  delegates  to  be  appointed  :  after  which  nomination 
thev  fliall  meet  together,  and  thole  pcilons  named  in  both  lifts 
fliall  be  delegates  ;  and  out  of  thofe  pcrlons  whdff  nam?!  are 
not  on  both  lilLs,  ci.e  half  (h.-.ll  be  chofen  by  the  joint  ballot 
of  the  icnalors  and  members  of  Aflembly  fo  met  together  as' 
aforcfaid. 

XXXI.  That  the  flyle  of  nil  laws  fliall  he  as  follows,  to  wif,- 
"  Be  it  enacted  by  the  people  of  the  State  of  New-York,  rc-- 
piefentcd  in  Senate  and  Affembiy."  And  that  all  writs  and 
other  preccdings  fliall  tun  in  the  home  of  "  the  People  of  the 
State  of  New-Yoik,"  and  be  attcllcd  in  the  name  of  tlir: 
chancellor  or  chief  judge  of  the  couit  from  whence  they  flurl 
ilfue. 

XXXII.  And  this  Convention  doth  further,  in  the  name 
and  by  the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  ordain, 
determine  and  decbre,  that  a  court  fliall  be  infliluted  for  the 
trial  of  impeachments,  and  the  correction  of  errors,  under  the 
regulation*  which  fliall  be  eflablifhcd  by  the  legiflature  ;  and 
to  confift  of  the  prefldent  of  the  fenate  for  the  time  being, 
and  the  fenators,  chancellor  and  judges  of  the  fupremc  court, 
or  the  major  part  of  them  ;  except,  that  when  r.n  impeachment 
fhdl  be  prc^ccutcd  aganilt  the  chancellor,  or  cither  of  the 
judges  of  the  fupieme  court,  the  psrion  fo  impeached  fliall  be 
iufpended  from  exeiciling:  his  office  until  hit  acauit:;,!  :  and 
in  like  manner,  when-an  appeal  fiom  a  dccivC  :<»  ecjuity  fhirll 
be  heard,  the  charfcellor  (hail  inform  the  court'  of  the  radons 
of  his  decree,  but  fliall  not  have  a  voice  in  tnc  final  icr.tcncc. 
And  if  the  caufc  to  be  determined  Ihall  be  brought  up  by  writ 
of  error  on  a  (juefnon  »f  law,  on  a  j.id^mc:it  in  the  fupremc 
court,  the  judges  of  the  court  fhall  afiign  the  realons  of  fuck 
their  judgment,  but  lhall  not  have  a  voice  for  its  alr.rmance  or 
i  eve  rial. 

XXXIII.  That  the  power  of  impeaching  all  officers  of  the 
State  for  mal  and  corrupt  conduft  in  their  refpective  offices, 
be  veiled  in  the  representatives  of  the  people  in  Affembly  :  but 
that  it  fliall  always  be  neceflary  that  two-third  parts  of  the 
members  prclent  fliall  confent  to  and  i.gice  in  fuch  impeach- 
ment. That  previous  to  the  trial  of  everv  impeachment,  the 
members  of  the  laid  court  fliall  rclpcftively  be  fworn,  truly 
and  impartially  to  try  and  determine  the  charge  in  queftiou 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE.  STATE  OF  NEW 


according  to  evidence  ;  and  that  no  judgment  of  the  1 
fliall  be  valid,  unlets  it  fhall  be  affented  to  by  two-third  par 
the  members  then  prefent  :   nor  fhall  it  extend  farther  t' 
to  removal  from  office,  and    disqualification  to  bold  or  enjo, 
any  place  of  honour,   trufl  or  profit,  under  this  State.  But 
the  party  fo  convicted  fhall  be,  nevei  thclefs,  liable  and  fubject 
to  indictment,  trial,  judgment  and  punilhmcnt,  according  to  the 
laws  of  the  land. 

XXXIV.  And  it  is  further  ordained,  that  in  every  trial  c n 
impeachment  or  indictment  for  crimes  or  mildemeanors,  the 
parly  impeached  or  indifted  fliall  be  allowed  counlel  as  in  civil 
aftions.  ^ 

XXXV.  And  this  Convention  doth  further,  in  the  name 
and  by  the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  ordain, 
determine  and  declare,  that  iuch  parts  of  the  common  law  of 
England,  and  of  the  ftatutc  law  of  England  and  Great-Britain, 
and  of  the  afts  of  the  legiilaturc  of  the  colony  of  New-York, 
as  together  did  for:<n  the  law  of  the  laid  colony  on  the  19th 
day  of  April,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thoufand  feven 
hundred  and  feventy-five,  fhall  be  and  continue  the  law  of 
this  State  ;  fubject  to  iuch  alterations  and  provilions  as  the  le- 
gifiature  of  this  State  fhall  from  time  to  time  make  concerning 
the  fame.  That  fuch  of  the  laid  atts  as  arc  temporary  fhall  ex- 
pire at  the  limes  limited  for  their  duration  reipcctively.  That 
all  fuch  parts  of  the  faid  common  law,  and  all  iuch  of  the  faicl 
ftatutes  and  a£ts  aforefaid,  or  parts  theieof,  as  may  be  conftrued 
to  eflablifh  or  maintain  any  particular  denomination  of  ChrjftianS 
or  their  minifters,  or  concern  . the  allegiance  heretofore  yield- 
ed to,  and  the  fupremacy,  fovereignty,  government  or  prero- 
gatives, claimed  or  cxercifed  by  the  king  of  Great-Britain  and 
his  predeceffors  over  the  colony  of  New-York  and  its  inha- 
bitants, or  aic  repugnant  to  this  conltitution,  be,  and  they 
hereby  are  abrogated  and  rejected.  And  this  Convention  doth 
further  ordain,  that  the  relolves  or  relolutions  of  the  congreifes 
of  the  colony  of  New-York  and  of  the  Convcntiou  of  the 
Slate  of  New-York  now  in  force,  and  not  repugnant  to  the 
government  cftablifhcd  by  this  conltitution,  fliall  be  confidcrcd 
as  making  part  of  the  laws  of  this  State  ;  fubjeefc,  ncvcrthclefs, 
to  iuch  alterations  and  provilions  as  the  legiilature  of  this  Stale 
may,  from  time  to  lime,  make  concerning  the  fame. 

XXXVI.  And  be  it  further  ordained,  that  all  grants  of  lands 
within  this  State,  made  by  the  king  of  Great-Britain,  or  pcr- 
lons  acting  under  his  authority,  after  the  fourteenth  day  of 
Oct,ober,  one  thouland  icven  bundled  and  feventy-hve,  fhall 
be  null  and  void;  but  that  nothing  in  this  conftitution  con- 
tained fliall  be  conftrued  to  affect  any  grants  of  land,  within 
this  State,  made  by  the  authority  of  the  laid  king  or  his  pre- 


'2     CONSTIA,  i  10  \  oi    THE  STATE  OF  NEW-YORK. 

lo  annul  any  charters  to  bodies  politic,  by  him  01 
nv  ,  or  any  of  them  made  prior  lo  that  day.  And  that  none 
lUl.\c  laid  charters  fhall  be  adjudged  to  be  void,  by  rcafon  of 
,-»v  non-ufer  or  mil-ufcr  of  any  of  their  refpeftive  rights  or 
jjiivilcgcs,  between  the  nintcenth  day  of  April,  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  one  thoufand  (even  hundred  and  Seventy-five,  and 
the  publication  of  this  confutation.  And  further,  that  all 
luch  of  the  officers  defcrihed  in  the  faid  charters  relpeclivcly, 
asjjy  the  terms  of  the  faid  charters  were  to  be  appointed  by 
the  governor  of  the  colony  of  Ncw-Yoik,  with  or  without 
the  advice  and  content  of  tiic  council  of  the  faid  king  in  the 
faid  colony,  fliall  henceforth  be  appointed  by  the  council  cfla- 
blifhcd  by  this  conftitution  for  the  appointment  of  officcis  in 
this  State,  until  otherwife  dircftcd  by  the  legiflaturc. 

XXW'II.  And  whereas  it  is  of  great  importance  to' the  fafe- 
tv  of  this  State,  that  peace  and  amity  with  the  Indians  within 
the  lain;:  be  at  all  times  Supported  and  maintained;  and  where- 
as the  frauds  too  often  praftifed  towards  the  laid  Indians,  in 
Contracts  made  for  their  lands,  have  in  divers  inftanccs  been 
productive  of  dangerous  difcontcnts  and  auimofttics,  be  it  or- 
dained, that  no  purchales  or  contracts  for  the  falc  of  lands, 
made  Since  the  fourteenth  dry  of  October,  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  one  tho.ifand  feven  hundred  and  (cvcnty-fivc,  or  which 
may  hereafter  be  made  with  or  of  the  faid  Indians  within  the 
limits  of  this  State,  fhall  be  binding  on  the  laid  Indians,  or 
deemed  valid,  unlcls  made  under  the  authority  and  with  the 
conlcnt  of  the  lcgsflature  of  this  State. 

XXXVIII.  And  whereas  we  arc  required  by  the  benevolent 
principles  of  rational  liberty,  not  only  to  expel  civil  tyranny, 
but  alio  to  gaurd  again  it  that  Spiritual  oppreffion  and  intolerance 
wherewith  the  bigotry  and  ambition  of  weak  and  wicked 
priefts  and  princes  have  fcourged  mankind;  this  Convention 
doth  farther,  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  the  good 
people  of  this  State,  ordain,  determine,  and  declare,  that  the 
free  exercifc  and  enjoyment  of  religious  profeffion  and  worfhip, 
without  discrimination  or  preference,  ihall  for  ever  hereafter 
be  allowed  within  this  State  to  all  mankind.  Provided,  that 
the  liberty  of  conscience  hereby  granted  (lull  not  be  fo  con- 
strued as  to  excufc  afts  of  licentioilnels,  or  jaftify  practiics  in- 
cunliftent  with  thepeace  or  fafety  of  this  State. 

XXXIX.  And  whereas  the  ministers  of  the  gofpel  are  by 
their  profeffion  dedicated  to  the  Service  of  God  and  the  cure 
of  fouls,  and  ought  not  to  be  diverted  from  the  great  duties 
of  their  function  ;  therefore  no  mmiftcr  of  the  gofpel,  or 
pricft  of  any  denomination  wh.itfoevcr,  fhrll  at  any  tim-  here- 
after, under  any  pretence  or  defcription  whatever,  be  eligible 
to,  or  capable  of  holding  any  civil  or  military  office  or  place 
within  this  State. 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  f 


XL.  And  whereas  it  is  of  the  utmoft  important 
fafcty  of  every  State,  that  it  fhould  always  be  in  a  co 
of  defence  ;  and  it  is  the  duty  of  eveiy  man  who  enjo/ 
protection  of  fociety  to  be  prepared  and  willing  to  defend 
this  Convention,  therefore,  in  the  name  and  by  the  authoru^ 
of  the  good  people  of  this  State  doth  ordain,  determine,  and 
declare,  that  the  militia  of  this  State,  at  all  times  hereafter, 
as  well  in  peace  as  in  war,  fhall  be  armed  and  difciplined,  and 
in  readinefs  for  fcrvicc.    That  all  fuch  of  the  inhabitants  of 
this  State,   being  of  the  people    called    Quakers,    as,  from 
fcruples  of  confciencc,  may  be  averfc  to  the  bearing  of  arms, 
be  therefrom  excufed  by  the  legi nature  ;  and  do  pay  to  the 
State  fuch  fums  of  money  in  lieu  of  their  perfonal  lervice,  as 
the  fame  may,  in  the  judgment  of  the  legiflature,  be  worth: 
and  that  a  proper  magazine  of  warlike  ftores,  proportionate  to 
the  number  of  inhabitants,  be  for  ever  hereafter  at  the  cxpenfe 
of  this  State,  and  by  afts  of  the  legiflature,  eftablifhed,  main- 
tained, and  continued  in  every  county  in  this  State. 

XLI.  And  this  Convention  doth  further  ordain,  determine, 
I  and  declare,  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  the  good 
people  of  this  State,  that  trial  byjuiy  in  all  cafes  in  which 
it  hath  heretofore  been  uled  in  the  colony  of  New-York,  fhall 
be  eftablifhed,  and  remain  inviolate  for  ever  :  and  that  no  a£ts 
of  attainder  lhall  be  palled  by  the  legiflature  of  this  State  for 
crimes,  other  than  thole  committed  before  the  termination  of 
the  prefent  war ;  and  that  fuch  afts  fhall  not  work  a  corruption 
of  blood.  And  further,  that  the  legiflature  of  this  State  fhall 
at  no  time  hereafter  inftitute  any  new  court  or  courts  but 
fuch  as  fhall  proceed  according  to  the  courle  of  the  common 
law. 

XLII.  And  this  Convention  doth  further,  in  the  name  and 
by  the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  ordain,  de- 
termine, and  declare,  that  it  fhall  be  in  the  difcretion  of  jhc 
legiflature  to  naturalize  all  fuch  perfons,  and  in  fuch  manner,  as 
they  fhall  think  proper,  provided  all  fuch  of  the  perfons  fo  to 
be  by  them  naturalized,  as  being  born  in  parts  bevond  fea,  ajid 
out  of  the  United  States  of  America,  fhall  come  to  fettle  in,  and 
become  fubjefts  of  this  State,  fhall  take  an  oath  of  allegiance  to 
this  State,  and  abjure  and  renounce  all  allegiance  and  fubjeftion 
lo  all  and  every  foreign  king,  prince,  potentate,  and  Slate,  in 
nil  matters  ccclefiaftical  as  well  as  civil. 

By  order, 

LEONARD  GANSEVOORT. 

Presid.  P.  T. 


2  CO.\STIT 


I 


